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I 


THE BOY 


WHO WAS 


TRAINED UP TO BE A CLERGYMAN. 


JOHN N.'nORTON, a. M., 

RECTOR OF ASCENSION CHURCH, FRANKFORT, KT 


“The child is father to the man.” — W ordsworth. 




FOURTH PJDITION, REVISED, \riTH AN APPENDIX. 


PHILADELPHIA: 

H. HOOKER, COR. EIGHTH & CHESTNUT STS. 

1857. 


.Urns 

bo 


Entered, according to act of Congress, in the year 1853, by 
JOHN N. NORTON, A. H., 

In the Clerk’s Office of the District Court for the Eastern Dis- 
trict of Pennsylvania. 

STEREOTYPED BY SLOTE & MOONEY, 

Philadelphia. 


■Westorn Onfc. X Jnlv. 


JftN 1 4 1939 


> 


WHOSE 

MRS. MARY S. HANNA, 

HEART AND HAND HAVE BEEN ALWAYS OPEN 

FOR THE church’s GOOD, 


Il)is lUiU aWoMt, 


DESMJNED TO EXTEND THE INTERESTS AND ENFORCE THE 

RULES 

OF THE KINGDOM OP OUR LORD, 


IS RESPECTFULLY INSCRIBED 


We must take our children early to Christ, that he may touch 
them with his transforming and renovating grace ; and through 
the whole course of their education, we must remember that it 
is in our power not only to train them for the felicities of heaven, 
but to make them instruments, in the hands of the Spirit, for 
Uxrning many to righteousness. Oh, that each individual might 
resolve before God, that the guilt shall not be his, if multitudes 
of the rising generation are not made meet and willing for the 
service of the altar ! — Bishop Potter, of Pa. 


PREFACE. 


The constant and increasing demand foi U < /nice, 
in the church has led to the proposal of iri plans 
for supplying the deficiency. Any arrangement, as it 
seems to the writer, must he merely temporary which 
does not begin aright. Parents must be taught the 
duty and the privilege of devoting their sons to the 
ministry, and be shown the way in which their influence 
for good may be brought to bear upon the purpose 
designed, before the number of laborers will compare 
at all with the greatness of the work. 

The following story — in its main details a true one — 
is presented, not without misgivings, as an humble 
ofiering for their guidance. 

May “ the Lord of the harvest’^ bless it to this end. 

Feast of the Epiphany, 1853. 

1 * 


PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION. 


The rapid sale of the first edition of this work, the 
favorable notices of the press, and the many kind 
words of approbation from his clerical brethren in 
every part of the Union, have encouraged the author, 
amidst the distractions of many cares, to prepare a 
second edition, with a view of rendering it better 
deserving of the confidence of the church. 

The whole work has, accordingly, been carefully 
revised, seven new chapters introduced, and a table 
of contents prepared. 

April 6th, 1 854. 


I 


Was not our Lord a little child, 
Taught by degrees to pray ? 

By father dear and mother mild 
Instructed day by day ? 

And loved He not of Heaven to talk. 
With children in His sight — 

To meet them in His daily walk, 

And to His arms invite? — [K k'ble. 


" Samuel ministered before the Lord, being a child, girded 
with a linen ephod.” — 1 Sam. ii. 18. 


" From a child thou hast known the holy scriptures.” 

Paul to Timothy. 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER I. 

PAQB 

The boy preacher — Playing church — Parents’ wish — Con- 
ference — Characters introduced — Father’s determination 
— Application for advice 15 

CHAPTER 11. 

Two weeks’ suspense — Rector’s letter — No marvels promised 
— Sixth birthday — Broaching an important subject — A 
little boy’s dream 20 

CHAPTER III. 

Sister’s departure — Good bye — Robinson Crusoe — Truant 
boys — No church-going bell — Launch upon the mill-pond 
— Dark close to a bright day 25 

CHAPTER IV. 

Faults 'reproved — Little garden — Hammers and saws — Les- 
sons in botany — Progress in knowledge— Friday dinner 
— Fasting 31 

CHAPTER V. 

Christmas — Illumination — Santa Claus — Lucy’s story — 
Isaiah’s vision — Evergreens — Scene at church — Message 

of glad-tidings 38 

(ix) 


X 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER VI. 

PAoa 

Snow fortress — Napoleon — Siege and capture — The first 
oath — Bitter tears — Confession — A clergyman must be 
a soldier — Sudden alarm 45 

CHAPTER VIL 

lucking up — Fox hunt in anticipation — The weak mother 
— Wise determination — New Latin grammar — Hill of 
science 51 

CHAPTER VIII. 

Young students — Lost time — Blundering recitation — Circus 
— Amusements — The rabbit — Tea-table talk — Answers 
to prayer — Drawing lesson 56 

CHAPTER IX. 

Rabbit warren — Ride to church — John Wesley — Sunday 
evenings — Bishop Hobart — Missions among the heathen 
— Bible and prayer book — Who will be saved ? 62 

CHAPTER X. 

Breakfast — Filling the ice house — Alarming symptoms — 
Gloomy forebodings — Doctor’s visit — Night of watching 
— Pastor’s prayers — Recovery — Thanksgiving 70 

CHAPTER XL 

Opening spring — Establishment of a colony — Sick boy — 
Arrival of friends — School for the poor — Sacrifices — 
Doing more than is agreeable 76 

CHAPTER XIL 

orse-back rides — Fishing — Bad temper cured — Old r^d 
lion — Temperance in all things — Rector’s visit — Mr, Wil- 
son — First fruits — Baptism 8S 


CONTENTS. 


XI 


CHAPTER XIII. 

Service at the mill — Sermon for the times — Bishop Chaso 
— Highways and hedges — Church colleges — Leaving 
home — The new trunk — Departure 91 

CHAPTER XIV. 

College examination — Freshman class — Fitting up a rooni 
— The first night — Noisy visitors — Free concert — Wel- 
come deliverance 98 


CHAPTER XV. 

Early prayer bell — Pleasant acquaintances—Boyish pranks 
— Religious principles — Secret societies — Christian he- 
roism — Midnight oyster supper — Persecuted monitor... 103 

CHAPTER XVI. 

Lent — Good Friday — Principle and policy — The black 
board — Deacon Gillespie’s party — New advocate for the 
truth — Spiritual fast 109 

CHAPTER XVII. 

Class- meeting — Clay’s speech — A bolt — Two heroes — Re- 
proach — Escape from death — Course of reading — Con- 
firmation — Stirring sermon 114 

CHAPTER XVIII. 

Sunday night studies — Important resolution — Visit to the 
parsonage — Encouragement — Ridicule — The enlistment 
— Good example — Bigotry — Ambassadors without a com- 
mission 121 

CHAPTER XIX. 

Innocent enjoyments — Manly determination — Unexpected 
difficulties — The comet — Saturday night in the chapel 
— Every body astonished 129 


zii 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER XX. 

PAGE 

The home of dissipation — Heroes in a quandary — Green 
spectacles — Innocence at the bar of judgment — Restitu- 
tion 135 


CHAPTER XXL 

Holidays — Lucy Mason — Family dinner — An old friend — 
Pastor’s watchfulness — Advice and encouragement — 
First communion 140 


CHAPTER XXIL 

Errors corrected by study — Dr. Miller — The whole truth 
— Proof — Economy and meanness — Janitor’s widow — 
Choosing a profession — A fair promise — Painful parting. 146 

CHAPTER XXIII. 

Junior year — New chum — Unruly freshmen — A good friend 
— Little southerner — Christmas holidays — Troubles in 
the distance — Sudden summons — House of mourning 
— Another blow... 153 

CHAPTER XXIV. 

Light in darkness — Young teacher — Making the best of cir- 
cumstances — Gratifying present — Again at college — Ti- 
dings from abroad — Taking a degree — Difficulty removed 159 

CHAPTER XXV. . 

School of the prophets — The special prayer — Choice of a 
■■ parish church — St. Peter’s Sunday-school — Private de- 
votions — Mysterious Providence — Brand plucked from 
the burning 167 

CHAPTER XXVI. 

Election — Excitement — Theological politician — Clergymen 
not to vote — Bishop White and Bishop Griswold — Green- 
wich lane — The broken head — Alice’s mother 173 


CONTENTS. 

xiii 

CHAPTER XXVII. 

PAGE 


The directory — Lost sister — A stranger in the land — John 
Anderson — Happy thought— City missionary— Important 
record — Orphan houses and hospitals — Care for emigrants 179 

CHAPTER XXVIII. 

Blind asylum — Dangers everywhere — Timely caution — 
Itching ears — Misgivings and despondency — Bishop Wil- 
son — Field of labor — Recovered blessings 185 

CHAPTER XXIX. 

Ascension day — Dr. Jarvis — Staten Island — Fairy land — 

The little church — Voice from the garden — Devout con- 
gregation — Happy meeting — A cold lunch — Great West- 
ern — Haven of rest. 190 

CHAPTER XXX. 

Pastor’s counsels — Early marriages — Romish tendencies — 
Perilous times — Active remedies — Pageant at St. Pat- 
rick’s — Sharp rejoinders — Seminary commencement — 
Ordination — Little trunk— First sermon 19G 


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THE BOY 

WnO WAS TRAINED TO BE A CIERGTMAN. 


CHAPTER 1. 


The boy preacher — Playing church — Parents’ wish — Confer- 
ence — Characters introduced — Father’s determination — ^Ap- 
plication for advice. 

Where is Edward?’^ asked Mr. Mason, as he 
laid down the book which he had been reading aloud 
to his wife, and looked about for his little son. The 
mother said nothing, but pointing to a distant corner 
of the room, the question was answered at once. 

There the little flaxen-haired, blue-eyed boy was 
seen, standing upon a chair, with a large silk apron 
hanging upon his neck. He was so intently engaged, 
that he did not notice that eyes of tender aficction 
were gazing on him. The secret of his solemnity 
and silence was soon explained. He was playing 
church. The chair was his pulpit, the black silk 
apron his gown, and with a serious, earnest face he 
was looking around upon an imaginary congregation. 

The hearts of the parents were too full to speak. 

(15) 


16 


THE BOY WHO WAS TRAINED 


Not a word was said to disturb the youthful preacher; 
and when, at last, weary with his labors, he got down 
from the chair, and came to kiss his mother good 
night,^^ she blessed him in a silent prayer, and he 
went off, happy and contented, to his rest. 

Mr. Mason was the first to speak : — “ A beautiful 
picture that, my dear, of innocence and love 

I have often wished,^^ she said, that Edward 
might become a clergyman, if God should spare him 
to us. Who knows but my earnest desires may yet 
be granted 

There can be no doubt,” answered Mr. Mason, 
that tastes and capacities for different trades and 
professions, are sometimes exhibited in early life : 
and it has always appeared to me that such intima- 
tions should not be disregarded.” 

‘‘Would you think it right or prudent,” inter- 
rupted Mrs. Mason, who seemed much interested in 
the thought which her husband had expressed, “would 
you think it right or prudent, from the little incident 
to-night, to take it for granted that Edward has la- 
tent qualities of mind and heart, which would fit 
him for usefulness in the ministry, and to begin, 
from his very infancy, to train him up with this 
sacred profession in view ?” 

“That would be my -own opinion,” replied her 
husband, “but in a matter so serious, and which 
involves such vast responsibilities, I should not like 


TO BE A CLERGYMAN. 


17 


to act unadvisedly. I must confess, however, it has 
all along been my wish and prayer, that our little 
boy might one day become a good and useful minis- 
ter of God.^' 

The parents having never exchanged a word upon 
the point before, were well pleased to find this 
agreement in opinion ; and as the safest and wisest 
course, they determined to ask the advice of their 
friend and pastor, Mr. Palmer, who lived in the 
neighboring town. 

While waiting for the settlement of this important 
matter, I shall take the opportunity of introducing 
to the reader, in a more formal way, the persons 
with whom he has thus become partially acquainted. 

Mr. Mason had once been a wholesale merchant 
in New York, and having been very successful in 
business, he had retired, with an ample fortune, to 
a country seat which he owned, about a hundred 
miles from the city, on the banks of the Hudson. 
Having received an excellent education in youth, he 
devoted his time to literary pursuits, and to beauti- 
fying the grounds and gardens which surrounded his 
mansion. 

The usual deplorable effect of prosperity had not 
been wrought upon him, and he was still the same 
conscientious, liberal man, that he was in earlier 
days, when his circumstances were humble and con- 
tracted. 


2 * 


18 


THE BOY WHO WAS TRAINED 


Mr. and Mrs. Mason had long been devoted mem- 
bers of the church, showing the sincerity of their 
faitt by blameless and useful lives. 

Several promising children had been snatched 
away by death. Two alone remained; the eldest, 
Lucy, a sprightly and engaging girl, twelve years of 
ago was at boarding-school, a few miles from home ; 
the other, the little boy of fiv.e years old, whom we 
saw at the opening of the chapter busying himself in 
^ unusual a way. 

The wide gap between the ages of the two served 
to lemind the parents of losses which they had been 
called to bear, losses which, by God^s kind provi- 
dence, had all been turned to good. 

The nearest church was in a little village, at the 
distance of four or five miles, but the weather must 
have been inclement indeed, which could keep these 
devoted Christians from the public worship of God. 

The day after the conversation took place which 
I have just recorded, Mr. Mason rode to town, in- 
tending to call upon the rector, and ask his advice in 
regard to the question of interest which so small a 
circumstance had excited. He was disappointed to 
find that Mr. Palmer had been suddenly called from 
home by the illness of a brother who lived in the 
interior of the state, and as the disease of the suf- 
ferer was deceitful and lingering, the time of his 
return was doubtful. Indeed, the good clergyman 


TO BE A CLERGYMAN. 


19 


being uncertain h»w long he might be detained, had 
persuaded a clerical friend who happened to be dis- 
engaged, to comO’ and look after the parish during 
his absence. 

At first, Mr. Mason deternnned to wait patiently 
until he could converse with his pastor upon the 
subject which sO often occupied his thoughts, but 
afterwards, becoming restless with the delay, he 
concluded to write. 

The result of this correspondence I mu36 reserve 
for the next chapter. 


20 


THE BOY WHO WAS TRAINED 


CHAPTER II. 

Two weeks’ suspense — Rector’s letter — No marvels promised— 
Sixth birth-day — Broaching an important subject — A little 
boy’s dreams. 

More than two weeks passed away, and still no 
letter from Mr. Palmer. At last his answer came. 
The state of his brother’s health, and other una- 
voidable hindrances, had occasioned this delay. I 
cannot do better than transcribe that part of his 
epistle which relates to the subject of our story: 

It may seem a trifling coincidence to notice, my 
dear friend, in connection with a matter so solemn, 
but I could not help calling to mind a similar inci- 
dent in the life of good Bishop White,* when you 
spoke of Little Edward’s appearance in the pulpit. 
I do not think that parents need wait for any deci- 
ded preference to be manifested by their sons, before 
beginning to mould their minds with reference to 
their future career. Why should not Christian mo- 
thers dedicate them to the Lord, as Hannah did, 
and train them up from infancy with direct refer- 

* Dr. Wilson’s Life of Bishop White, p. 21. Henshaw’s Me- 
moir of Bishop Moore, p. 16. 


TO BE A CLERGYMAN. 


21 


ence to the ministry? I would have no cant nor 
hypocrisy about it. Let the boy be taught, little 
by little, the great dignity and responsibility of the 
office to which his thoughts are turned. Let him 
be carefully instructed in all things calculated to 
improve his mind and heart, and trust to God to 
work with you in all these efforts to promote his 
glory. 

I wonder that more parents do not think of edu- 
cating their sons with a view to the ministry. It is 
a most laborious and responsible office, to be sure, 
and one but poorly requited in this world. But 
then they should think of the reward of the faithful 
clergyman in the next : ^ They that be wise shall 
shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they 
that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever 
and ever.' Daniel xii. 3. ^Let him know, that 
he which converteth the sinner from the error of his 
way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a 
multitude of sins.' James v. 20. 

There are very few parents who would not be 
proud to see their son sent as an ambassador to a 
foreign court. Yet what is such a distinction com- 
pared with the privilege of being an ambassador for 
God ? I would urge you, therefore, by all means, 
my dear friend, to persevere in the work which God 
has put into your hearts." 

Mr. and Mrs. Mason read this letter with much 


22 


THF BOY WHO WAS TRAINED 


satisfaction, and no longer hesitated as to what course 
they ought to pursue. 

I must warn my readers beforehand, that I have 
no marvels to relate. If they wish to regale them- 
selves with the pious and precocious remarks of 
children who pass for prodigies in the world, they 
must seek for such excitement elsewhere. The little 
boy whose history it is my privilege to relate, was 
brought up in the old-fashioned, quiet, unobtrusive 
ways which are pointed out in the Scriptures, and 
followed by the church. Edward was made 
member of Christ and a child of God’^ in early 
infancy by baptism, and taught from the beginning, 
that he was a Ohristian child, and must try to act 
accordingly. 

Neither shall I be guilty of the partiality and 
unfairness of concealing his faults. This would be 
the surest way to defeat the main purpose which I 
have in view — to encourage parents to train up their 
sons for the ministry, and to convince the young 
that such a thing is reasonable and right. 

Edward had been taught to kneel down and say 
his prayers, night and morning, long before he 
could understand the nature or the need of prayer. 
The forms and ceremonies of religion became a part 
of his daily life. He looked upon them as a thing 
of course — something which no person, who wished 
to be good, would venture to neglect. 


TO BE A CLERGYMAN. 


23 


It was not until his sixth birth-day, that any 
direct reference was made, in conversation with him, 
to the course which his parents intended him to 
pursue. Lucy had come home from school to share 
in the little festivities with which these anniversa- 
ries were commonly observed. Mr. Palmer had 
dined with them. After his departure, something 
was said as to his influence with his people, and 
their affection for him, when Lucy, in her simpli- 
city, asked : “ Mother, why can’t Edward be a 
minister, when he is a man ? Mr. Palmer will be 
getting old then, and brother could help him.” 
‘^So he might, my child,” said Mrs. Mason, ‘^and I 
should greatly rejoice to see the day when my boy 
could be thus employed. How would you like it, 
Edward ?” 

The little fellow’s face brightened up as he an- 
swered, 0, mother, that is what I have been 
thinking about. Then, you know, I could carry 
nice things to sick people, and read out of the 
Prayer Book for them. And, mother, don’t you 
think I might sing one of my pretty hymns ? You 
remember that aunt Mary liked to hear singing, 
when she was ill so long.” 

Thus the little group conversed — branching off 
into all directions as occasional remarks suggested 
new topics to tb^'’’’ "^inds. 


24 


THE BOY WHO WAS TRAINED 


Tea-time came — family prayers were said. At 
nine o’clock the children retired to rest. Edward 
dreaming of his little church, and his poor parish- 
ioners, and the many good things he would do 
when he became a man. 


TO BE A CLERGYMAN. 


25 


CHAPTEK III. 


Sister’s departure — Goodbye — Robinson Crusoe— Truant boys 
— No church-going bell — Launch upon the mill-pond — Dark 
close to a bright day. 

There are many ups and downs in life. Some- 
times the way is smooth and plain — sometimes 
rough and intricate. Sometimes we have strength 
to Tesist temptations — sometimes we grievously fall. 

The morning after the birth-day scene, Lucy was 
sent back to school. Edward stood upon the stile, 
with swimming eyes, watching the carriage as long 
as it remained in sight. 

His mother knowing that he would be more 
lonely than usual that day, offered to read to him a 
pretty story after his lessons were done. So when 
the long line of spelling had been said without a 
mistake, and a row of quite respectable figures were 
made upon the slate, she gave him his choice what 
book she should read. He asked to hear more 
about his favorite, Eobinson Crusoe, and his man 
Friday- Mrs. Mason kept his little ej^es on the 
stretch for about half an hour with some of the 


26 THE BOY WHO WAS TRAINED 

stirring incidents in this redoubtable history, and 
then laid down the book. 

Please, mother,'^ said Edward, “ don't stop yet; 
I am not at all tired." 

“ I think, my son," answered Mrs Mason, “that 
you have heard enough for to-day. It is not well to 
have too much of a good thing at once. We should 
show some moderation in our enjoyments." 

“ When you read that part, mother, about Robin- 
son's snug home in the cave, I thought," said 
Edward, ‘‘ that I should like to live on an island, 
and have a parrot and a canoe, and make all those 
thinors that he did." 

O 

“ That is the way that little boys are apf to 
talk," observed his mother, smiling, “ and some 
foolish ones have got themselves into trouble by 
it. I heard of five or six boys, not many years 
ago, who had their heads so full of this story, that 
they ran away from school, and went to an island 
somewhere in the Sound, and there played Robinson 
Crusoe to their hearts' content. For the first day 
it did very well. They had some crackers in their 
pockets, and by the help of blackberries and walnuts 
were able to forget that they had lost their usual 
dinner and supper. But at night it began to thun- 
der and rain, and there was no shelter to go to. 
They knew they had done very wrong, and felt too 
unhappy to say their prayers. Perhaps they thought 


TO BE A CLERGYMAN. 


27 


that Grod would not hear such bad boys. The next , 
morning, wet, and cold, and hungry, they set out, in 
good earnest, to find their homes, and relieve the 
minds of their distracted parents.^^ 

‘^0, mother, cried Edward, will not talk of 
being like Kobinson Crusoe any more. How could 
they run off and leave their mothers in that way 
‘^Can you think of no other reason, my son,^’ 
continued Mrs. Mason, why it would not be wise 
to go and live on an island by yourself? Would 
you lose nothing besides the care and attention of 
your parents V’ 

‘^To be sure, mother, a great deal more,” said 
Edward, in a serious tone; “I could not go to church. 
Poor Robinson had nobody to preach to him, and 
tell him what he ought to do.” 

Mrs. Mason got up and took a book from the 
shelf, saying as she opened it, “ This remark reminds 
me of some beautiful lines written by Mr. Cowper. 
He supposed them to be spoken by Alexander Sel- 
kirk, who, you remember, was the real Robinson 
Crusoe : — 

" ‘ Society, friendship, and love, 

Divinely bestowed upon man, 

Oh, had I the wings of a dove. 

How soon I would taste you again ! 

‘ My sorrows I then might assuage 
In the ways of religion and truth ; 

Might learn from the wisdom of age, 

And be cheered by the sallies of youth. 


2 ^ 


THE BOY WHO WAS TRAINED 


“ ‘ Religion ! what treasures untold 
Reside in that heavenly word ! 

More precious than silver or gold, 

Or all that this earth can afford. 

“ ‘But the sound of the church-going bell 
These valleys and rocks never heard — 

Ne’er sighed at the sound of a knell, 

Or smiled when a Sabbath appear’d.’ ” 

When dinner was over Edward reminded his mo- 
ther of a promise she had made, that he might go 
down to the mill-pond, on some pleasant afternoon, 
and sail his ship. Thomas the gardener, who was a 
kind-hearted, obliging man, and withal quite inge- 
nious, had cut a small vessel out of wood, and 
presented it to the little boy upon his birth-day. 
As Mr. Mason was too busy to go with him, and 
Mrs. Mason had been suffering with a headache, 
Sally, the nursery maid, was intrusted with the care 
of young master, upon the very important occasion 
of launching the Lady of the Lake,^^ as Lucy had 
insisted the ship should be called. When they 
reached the pond, a long string was fastened to it, 
and Edward manifested great delight at seeing his 
little schooner sail briskly along the shore. 

Pretty soon Tom Hall the miller’s boy, spied 
them out, and came down to see what they were 
about. 

He expressed much gratification at the fine ap- 


TO BE A CLERGYMAN. 


29 


pearance of the ship, and at last persuaded- Edward 
to let him take a turn in sailing her. The owner, 
proud of his possession, very generously consented. 
Tom soon grew tired of the tame sport of pulling 
the ship by the line, and in one of his mischievous 
moods cut it loose, and the Lady of the Lake^^ 
steered her course forthwith towards the middle of 
the pond. 

Edward was very angry, as might well be sup- 
posed ; and when the ragged miller boy shouted and 
jumped about with delight, the little fellow raised 
his puny hand to strike, and called Tom a fool, and 
various other naughty names which I should not 
like to repeat. In the midst of this mimic tempest, 
Mr. Mason appeared riding along the road. At the 
sound of Edward’s voice he stopped, and looked 
about in amazement. By this time Tom, thinking 
that his practical joke had gone far enough, very 
composedly rolled up his trowsers above his knees, 
and partly by wading in the pond and partly by 
crawling along the trunk of an old tree, which had 
obligingly fallen in the right direction, succeeded 
in reaching the little ship, which he brought safe to 
land. 

Mr. Mason took up Edward behind him on the 
horse ; and telling Sally to carry the harmless toy 
which had occasioned so much difficulty, the little 
party returned to the house. Not a word was 
3 * 


30 


THE BOY WHO WAS TRAINED 


spoken on the way. The commander of the vessel, 
however, was very much ashamed of his part in the 
performance. 

Mr. Mason felt that whatever provocation Edward 
might have had, it was wrong for him to give way 
to his passions, and therefore ordered him to he sent 
supperless to bed. 


TO BE A CLERGYMAN. 


31 


CHAPTER IV. 

Faults reproved — Little garden — Hammers and saws — Lessons 
in botany — Progress in knowledge — Friday dinner — Fasting. 

When Edward had recited his lessons on the 
following morning, Mr. Mason called him into the 
library, and said, ‘^My son, I was sorely grieved 
to hear you use such language yesterday, and to 
find you so completely carried away by your tem- 
per.^^ < 

- Edward made no answer, but hung down his head 
with shame. 

If it had been some poor, ignorant child, with 
no father nor mother to instruct him,^^ continued 
Mr. Mason, I should have thought nothing of it. 
Such conduct is one of the natural fruits of our 
• corrupt and sinful hearts. But you, Edward, are 
a child of God, and a member of his holy church. 
Instead therefore of setting such a bad example 
to Tom, who has never enjoyed your privileges, 
you ought to have kept down your anger, as much 
as possible, and not used those unbecoming and 
sinful words.^^ 


82 


THE BOY WHO WAS TRAINED 


Edward could stand it no longer, but bursting 
into tears, begged his father’s pardon. 

Mr. Mason said, with a sad and serious tone. 
There is a Father in heaven, my dear boy, whom 
you have offended much more than you have me. 
Go to your room, and ask his forgiveness on your 
bended knees.” 

No other circumstance worthy of record happened 
for some time. Edward had a little plot of ground 
in a corner of the garden, which he was allowed 
to call his own; and here he took great pleasure 
in digging, and planting, and weeding, when not 
otherwise employed. Besides this source of amuse- 
ment, Thomas had fitted him up a work-bench 
in the wood-house, where, in wet or cold weather, 
he could occupy himself with a little set of car- 
penter’s tools, which his uncle had sent him from 
New York. 

His parents encouraged him in these bodily exer- 
cises as conducive to health, and as a harmless way 
of passing off his leisure hours. They thought it 
unwise to keep him confined very long at his books. 
Without strength and vigor of body they knew 
that the faculties of the mind could never be pro- 
perly developed. 

But although Edward’s time for study each day 
was short, great pains were taken, upon all proper 
occasions, to give him oral instruction about many 


TO BE A CLERGYMAN. 


33 


things which would be useful to him in after life. 
Thus, his mother seldom walked out in summer, 
without directing his attention to the trees and 
plants which came in their way; and Mrs. Mason 
not only answered with patience, but pleasure, the 
many curious questions which the little boy would 
ask, while turning over the pictures in Goldsmith^ s 
Animated Nature, and other books of the sort. 

At the same time, while religious matters were 
never dragged in abruptly, Edward was trained up 
day by day in the way he should go, with respect to 
his duty both to God and man. 

He could repeat the Catechism from beginning to 
end, and understood much more of it than we 
might suppose. This was not accomplished all at 
once, but little by little. His parents remembered 
and obeyed God’s direction to His people of old ; 
“Thou shalt teach my words diligently unto thy 
children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest 
in thy house, and when thou walkest by the way, 
and when thou liest down, and when thou risest 
up.’’ Deut. vi 7. 

They thought him too young to read the Bible 
to advantage ; and therefore, instead of placing this 
blessed book in his hands, at an age when its most 
precious teachings might have proved irksome and 
unprofitable, they endeavoured to make him ac- 
quainted with the general outlines of sacred history, 


34 


THE BOY WHO WAS TRAINED 


and tlie principal characters embraced therein, en- 
forcing its practical teachings as occasions offered 
themselves. 

Edward^s mother, however, often selected inter- 
esting incidents from our Saviour’s life, and other 
parts which the little boy could ' readily understand 
— and thus he was taught to realize, from the first, 
that the Scriptures were indeed God’s holy word, 
given us in mercy to guide us in the way of truth ; 
and that to treat the book with irreverence, would 
be a sin. 

One day when the dinner-bell rang, Edward ran 
in from the garden where he had been hard at work, 
bringing with him an appetite somewhat sharpened 
by his labor in the open air. Looking rather dis- 
appointed as he surveyed the neatly arranged table, 
he said in a tone which it ill became a little boy to 
use — Mother, I am so hungry ; I do wish we had 
some meat.” His father was evidently displeased, 
and answered, If you are not satisfied with your 
dinner, Edward, you need not eat it.” I did not 
mean to offend you, father,” Edward quickly said; 

but it always happens when I am most hungry, 
there is least to eat.” ^^Do you know no reason, 
my son,” asked Mrs. Mason, why we should deny 
ourselves some things that we like, on this day of 
the week more than another?’^ Edward refiected 
for a moment, but could not think what his mother 


TO BE A CLERGYMAN. 


35 


meant. She then went on to explain to him, that 
as Friday was the day of our Saviour’s crucifixion, 
it had always been observed by Christian people as a 
fast. 

And what good does it do, mother,” he inquired, 
with some earnestness, ^Ho go without eating, when 
we feel like it?” great deal, Edward,” she 

mildly answered. Even if we could see no reason 
for it, the fact that God commands us to fast, and 
that prophets and apostles, and even our blessed 
Saviour fasted, shows that there must be some good 
ground for the requirement. But those who fast in 
the right way, and from proper motives, derive much 
actual benefit from it. The body is thus kept under^ 
and the soul made more free. We feel in a fitter 
frame to pray. We are made sensible of our weak- 
ness. We learn to deny ourselves, and to yield 
implicit obedience to God.” 

‘‘ I never thought of it before,” interrupted Ed- 
ward ; ‘ ‘ but is not this fasting on Friday a good 
way to remember about our Saviour’s dying on the 
cross, and what day it was he suffered?” ‘^Cer- 
tainly, my boy,” his mother answered ; “ and now 
^ that you know what fasting is, and why this duty 
IS observed, I hope you will never make wry faces 
again, because the dinner does not quite suit your 
taste.” 

Mr. Mason had not spoken while the conversation 


36 THE BOY WHO WAS TRAINED 

was going on, but here he took occasion to say : It 
may be well enough to explain to you, Edward, why 
we eat no meat on Fridays, as that was what first 
brought up the subject just now. There is no com- 
mand to that effect in the Bible; neither is there any 
virtue in merely giving up this particular article of 
diet. Some Christians deny themselves one thing, 
and some another. Meat, however, is that upon 
which most persons depend for strength and suste- 
nance. Take this away, and they will feel it more 
than if they gave up several other things. So then, 
in laying down a general rule, which should apply 
to the greatest number of individual cases, this is 
the very wisest which could be devised. 

Children are usually very observing, and Edward 
was evidently puzzled about something. After some 
hesitation he said : Uncle Charles does not fast, 
I think. We always had meat when we visited at 
his house.^^ 

Mr. Mason was amused, and as he arose to leave 
the table, good-humoredly remarked : I cannot 
answer for it, whether your uncle fasts or not. 
This, however, will not lessen our obligation to do 
so. But remember, Edward, fasting is not a thing 
to be boasted of, as though it made us meritorious 
in the sight of God. The whole design of it is 
beautifully expressed in the collect for the first 
Sunday in Lent : ‘ 0 Lord, who for our sake didst 


TO BE A CLERGYMAN. 


.37 


fast forty days and forty nights, give us grace to 
use such abstinence, that our flesh being subdued to 
the Spirit, we may ever obey thy godly motions in 
righteousness and true holiness, to thy honor and 
glory, who livest and reignest with the Father and 
the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end.^ ” 

4 


38 


THE BOY WHO WAS TRAINED 


CHAPTER y. 

Christmas — Illumination — Santa Claus — Lucy’s story — Isaiah’s 
vision — Evergreens — Scene at church — Message of glad 
tidings. 

Christmas was approaching, and our little friend 
was anxiously looking forward to it, not only for 
the reasons which make children wish for this bles- 
sed festival to return, but because his sister was to 
have holiday for a week, and his aunt and two 
cousins were expected up from the city. The long 
wished-for day at last arrived. By Christmas-eve 
the whole family party had got together. It was 
customary on that night to illuminate the church in 
the town, and all were anxious to attend. The 
distance being almost too great for Edward to go 
and return at night, it was agreed that Mr. Mason 
should take his sister and Lucy in the sleigh, while 
his wife remained at home with the boys. 

Frank and Henry Parish were both older than 
Edward ; but I am sorry to say, they had not been 
so well brought up, and were somewhat ungovern- 
able and rude. They were highly indignant that 
two young gentlemen of eight and ten years of 
age, who were big enough to wear boots, should 


TO BE A CLERGYMAN. 


89 


not be allowed to take a ride with their elders. At 
last, by way of compromise, Mrs. Parish begged that 
Frank might be allowed to go ; and as the sleigh 
could not possibly hold more, Henry and Edward 
must content themselves at home. 

Mrs. Mason did her best to entertain them, and 
succeeded very well. She read some pleasant ex- 
tracts from Irving^s Sketch-book and Bracebridge 
Hall, about Christmas times in England, and that 
pretty piece by good Dr. Clement More, “The Visit 
of St. Nicholas.^^ The effect of this last was most 
potent. I believe both of the young gentlemen 
realized in their dreams the graphic description of 
the poet, and that 

“Visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads.” 

Edward was anxious to sit up until the party re- 
turned, that he might hear Lucy^s account of what 
they had seen. Bed-time however came, and at 
Mrs. Mason’s suggestion they both retired, and 
carefully arranged their stockings on a chair for the 
convenience of Santa Claus. 

I shall not attempt to describe the joy which per- 
vaded the house on the morning of Christmas. Suf- 
fice it to say, Kriskringle was extremely liberal of 
his favors, and had forgotten nobody. 

Breakfast was hardly over, before Edward en- 
treated his sister to tell them about the illumination. 


40 


THE BOY WHO WAS TRAINED 


Those of the family who had not been able to see 
for themselves, joined in the request, ^nd she ac- 
cordingly began : 

^^The church was crowded to overflowing when 
we got there. Some gentlemen very kindly gave 
their seats to Aunt Emma and myself ; but father 
and Frank had to stand in the aisle. 0, the church 
was dressed so beautifully ! Great festoons of green 
hung along the walls ; the chancel rail was entwined 
with wreaths, and just above the altar was a large 
cross, covered with ivy. And then the lights ! Why 
mother, in every pane of glass there was a candle in 
full blaze, and the whole church was as light as day. 

When the bell stopped tolling, Mr. Palmer came 
out of the vestry-room, and began the service. Lizzy 
Scott had whispered to me just before, that Mr. 
Adams, who sometimes visits his relatives here, would 
preach, and I wondered where he was. But soon I 
forgot all about it. When they sang the Gloria in 
Excelsis, I could almost imagine that the angels had 
come back again, to herald the Saviour’s birth. 
And then the chapter which Mr. Palmer read from 
the Old Testament was so appropriate; I wish I 
could remember it.” 

There will be no trouble in flnding it, my dear,” 
said Mrs. Mason. ^-The Prayer-book directs the 
clergyman what lessons to read, and the same are 
used everywhere.” 


TO BE A CLERGYMAN. 


41 


She then told Edward to bring her a Bible and 
Prayer-book from the stand ; and turning to the 
table of lessons for the evening of December twenty- 
fourth, found that the chapter referred to was the 
sixtieth of Isaiah. The little boy read the verses 
aloud, which his mother pointed out : 

Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the 
glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. For, behold, 
the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross dark- 
ness the people ; but the Lord shall arise upon thee, 
and his glory shall be seen upon thee. And the 
Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the 
brightness of thy rising.” 

‘‘Stop a moment, Edward,” said Mrs. Mason; 

I wish to remind you that this chapter has been 
read in the church for hundreds of years ; and in 
this country especially, where our people were few 
and despised, on many a Christmas-eve how cheering 
it must have been to listen to such promises as 
these.” She then pointed to the 13th verse, and 
Edward read : 

“The glory of Lebanon shall come unto thee, the 
fir tree, the pine tree, and the box together, to 
beautify the place of my sanctuary ; and I will make 
the place of my feet glorious.” 

“Why, mother,” exclaimed Lucy, as though some- 
thing very important had occurred to her, “ I did 
not notice it last night ; but it seems plain enough 

4* 


42 


THE BOY WHO WAS TRAINED 


from this, that it is right to dress the church with 
evergreens, although some people ridicule the prac- 
tice/^ 

Her mother gave an approving smile, and the 
little reader continued : 

‘^The sons also of them that afflicted thee shall 
come bending unto thee ; and all they that despised 
thee shall bow themselves down at the soles of thy 
feet ; and they shall call thee, the city of the Lord, 
the Zion of the Holy One of Israel/' 

‘^This promise," remarked Mrs. Mason, ^‘has 
been most wonderfully accomplished in the history 
of the church in America. Its most devoted mem- 
bers are the children of those who, but a few years 
ago, hated and persecuted her. But we have almost 
forgotten Lucy’s story, which has suffered a sad 
interruption. Go on, my daughter, and let us hear 
the rest of it." 

I was just getting to a strange part," said Lucy, 
resuming the thread of her narrative. ‘^You re- 
member I told you that Mr. Adams was expected to 
preach. Well, just as they were singing the Psalm 
before sermon, the door opened, and who should 
come in but Mr. Adams with his gown on. The 
people looked a little surprised ; but he whispered a 
few words to Mr. Palmer, as he passed the reading- 
desk, and went up into the pulpit. When the organ 
stopped, he arose and gave out his text ; ^ Behold, I 


TO BE A CLERGYMAN. 


43 


bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be 
to all people. For unto you is born this day, in the 
city of David, a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.' 
It seemed as if he had come on purpose to tell us 
this joyful news. Every body listened with the 
greatest attention. You could hear a pin drop. As 
soon as the sermon was finished, Mr. Adams de- 
scended from the pulpit, and went out as he came. 
Somebody told father afterwards, that he had been 
delayed by an accident on the road, and that in 
order to be at his own church the next day, he was 
obliged to return the same night. But even his 
sudden departure did not have a bad effect. You 
might readily suppose that the messenger was going 
in haste to carry the tidings elsewhere." 

Did the people all follow him ?" asked Harry, 
who had been listening with great attention. Oh 
no !" said Lucy : Mr. Palmer gave out the old 
hymn — 

“ ‘ While shepherds watched their flocks by night, 

All seated on the ground’ — 

and the whole congregation joined in the tune of 
Bethlehem, which seems to have been made on pur- 
pose for the words." 

What a pleasant time," remarked Edward, who 
was always fond of going to church; ^^how I would 
like to have been there." 


44 


THE BOY WHO WAS TRAINED 


“ You may still enjoy the Christmas services to- 
day, my son,” said Mrs. Mason, and it will soon 
be time to set out for church.^^ 

“Before we go, mother,” said Lucy, “please 
diow me those pretty lines about Christmas ever- 
greens, which you repeated to me once.” 

“ I suppose you refer to Mr. Croswell’s gem, my 
dear.” So saying, she turned to the place, and 
read — 

“ ‘ The thickly woven bows they wreath 
Through every hallowed fane ; 

A soft reviving odour breathe 
Of summer’s gentle reign : 

And rich the ray of mild green light, 

Which like an emerald’s glow, 

Comes struggling through the latticed height. 

Upon the crowd below.’ ” 


TO BE A CLERGYMAN. 


45 


CHAPTER VI. 

Snow fortress — Napoleon — Siege and capture — The first oath — 
Bitter tears — Confession — A clergyman must be a soldier — 
Sudden alarm. 

I FEAR that the bright scenes of the last chapter 
will be obscured, at least in part, by some dark spots 
in this. The reader will please, however, to bear in 
mind, that I am not giving the history of an angelic 
being, but of a weak and erring child. 

On the night of Christmas a deep snow fell, which 
the next morning’s sun began to melt. The exten- 
sive lawn in front of the house afforded a most 
convenient place for one of the favorite amusements 
of boys, viz., that of rolling snow-balls. Edward 
and his cousins could not resist the temptation, and 
accordingly were soon actively engaged. 

It happened that among the books which Santa 
Claus had left, was a small volume containing the 
lives of various great men, and prominent in the list 
was the Emperor Napoleon. Frank, into whose 
hands the treasure had fallen first, had been reading 
it aloud. Among other incidents of Bonaparte’s 


46 


THE BOY WHO WAS TRAINED 


Bchool-boy days, was one giving an account of a for- 
tification which the young heroes made ; to defend 
and conquer which, two hostile parties waged a 
furious war. Our three little friends were soon 
seized with a military fever, and the sight of the 
snow suggested the amusement in which they were 
now engaged. 

The plan of a fort was marked out, ramparts 
were quickly raised, and war was at once proposed. 
It seemed hardly fair, however, that so unequal a 
division of the forces should be made, as two against 
one; and this difficulty might have saved me the 
trouble and mortification of recording what truth 
obliges me to state, had not our old acquaintance, 
Tom Hall, gone whistling along the road. Edward 
would have objected, under other circumstances, to 
allow such an unruly soldier to enlist; but in order 
that the play might not fall through, there seemed 
no other course but to forget the past. Frank and 
Edward accordingly took possession of the fort, and 
Henry and Tom began the assault. Both parties 
fought manfully. The excitement became intense. 
The besiegers boldly scaled the walls. The contest 
was now hand to hand. Each party in turn seemed 
certain to prevail. 

I hinted once before, that Edward’s cousins were 
not good boys. While in the presence of their 
uncle and Aunt, they were under comparative re 


TO BE A CLERGYMAN. 


47 


straint. But now, forgetful of everything of the 
sort, and carried away by the interest of the scene, 
they gave full vent to profane and wicked words. 
Tom thus encouraged, did not fall behind. Edward, 
unmindful of what he said, began, at first, to dis- 
play his valor too, by some of those smaller oaths 
which defile the tongues of men. His companions 
grew more blasphemous than before, and at last this 
child of so many hopes and prayers, invoked with 
curses the sacred name of God ! He was shocked 
himself, as though stunned by a sudden blow. He 
took no further interest in the play, and upon the 
plea of weariness, soon sought refuge in the house. 
Edward’s cousins were too much accustomed to use 
bad words themselves, to notice it in others. The 
little boy was so troubled that he could not rest con- 
tent. Books and toys were resorted to in vain. 
The presence of his parents and sister only distressed 
him the more. He had a dreadful secret which he 
was afraid to keep, and which at the same time, he 
had not courage to reveal. His plate at dinner 
remained untouched. When asked the reason, he 
seemed confused, and gave no answer. Thus things 
went on till the close of the day. But the darkness 
afforded poor Edward no relief. He knew that he 
had offended God, rnd his alUcoing eye seemed 
looking upon him ir displeasure. As the evenin// 
wore away, he could contain hiinseif no longer ; an i 


48 


THE BOY WHO WAS TRAINED 


watching when his mother left the room, he quickly 
followed her. She had gone to the chamber where 
she often retired when she wished to be alone. He 
gave a little tap at the door, and his heart smote 
him, when her gentle voice said, Come in.'^ The 
poor penitent waited for no questions to be asked, 
but, burying his head in his mother’s lap, he sobbed 
aloud, and in half-choked words, told her all the 
truth. Mrs. Mason was greatly shocked. For some 
minutes she could not speak. When both were 
somewhat composed, she spoke to him most seriously 
of this grievous sin, repeated the third commandment, 
described the awful scene at Sinai, when that law 
was first proclaimed, showed the ingratitude of treat- 
ing profanely the name of the great and holy God, 
and then kneeled down side by side, while the mother 
offered up a short and fervent prayer for the pardon 
of her son. 

Edward now felt that a load had been taken from 
his mind. He remembered the gracious promise. 
Whoso confesseth and forsaketh his sins shall have 
mercy.” Prov. xxviii. 13. 

Mrs. Mason thought it right that her husband 
should know what had happened, and accordingly, 
when they were alone that night, she told him all. 

Mr. Mason was of course distressed, that his son 
should have been led to commit so great an offence ; 
but it was no slight consolation to think that his 


TO BE A CLERGYMAN. 


49 


conduct afterwards had shown a tender conscience, 
and a well-disposed and honest purpose of heart. 

The ruins of the fortification, as they glittered in 
the sun-light, were an eye-sore to the poor child; but 
no doubt, this very source of unhappiness did him 
good. It reminded him of his fall, and seemed to 
keep under his natural self-conceit. 

Frank and Henry had no idea that anything out 
of the way had taken place, and amused themselves 
as usual. Edward by degrees recovered his cheer- 
fulness, and joined in their sports; but he had lost 
all interest in warlike affairs. He seemed even to 
have taken a dislike to the Life of Napoleon, which 
had afibrded him so much pleasure before. When 
his father inquired whether he had finished the book, 
he frankly acknowledged why he had laid it down. 
As no one else was present at the time, Mr. Mason 
told him that such a course was quite unnecessary, 
that the book was not to blame, and that he would 
do well to read it through. 

“ But, father,'^ said Edward, with a solemnity of 
manner which seemed strange in one so young, ^‘you 
know I hope to be a clergyman. Will it do me 
good to read such books 

“A proper selection of them, my son,^^ replied 
his father, ^^will be of decided advantage. Every 
intelligent person must of necessity be acquainted 
with the history of the world, and the great ones 
5 


50 THE BOY WHO WAS TRAINED 

who hav6 figured on the theatre of life. Besides, 
can you think of no way in which the biographies of 
military heroes can be beneficial, even to a clergy- 
man V’ 

Yes, father/^ said Edward; “he can learn to be 
wide awake, and brave, and not to be easily discour- 
aged, and to make the best of difficulties and trou- 
bles.” 

“Very true,” remarked Mr. Mason; “and although 
the details of war and bloodshed must be painful to 
us, we should remember that every Christian who is 
baptized, enlists as a soldier of Christ, and engages 
in a warfare. Our ministers are the duly commis- 
sioned officers, who lead on the hosts of God. They 
must possess the courage and constancy of heroes, if 
they would do good service in his cause. One reason 
why the church makes such little progress in many 
places, is because the clergy do not regard the subject 
in this way. God’s kingdom is to go on, conquering 
and to conquer. The whole world must yield to the 
Prince of peace.” 

Edward was about to ask his father a question, 
when the most piteous screams and cries were heard 
in the direction of the stables, behind the house, and 
Mr. Mason ran out in great alarm, followed by his 
son. 


TO BE A CLERGYMAN. 


51 


CHAPTER VII. 

Kicking up — Fox hunt in anticipation — The weak mother — 

Wise determination — New Latin grammar — Hill of science. 

The cause of the disturbance was soon explained. 
Henry was lying at full length upon the ground, 
with a deep cut across his forehead, and bruises not 
a few, while his brother stood by wringing his hands 
in terror. Thomas came running from the garden, 
and several female servants from the house. Fortu- 
nately, Mrs. Parish had gone to town that morning, 
or she would have been thrown into hysterics by the 
sight. 

Mr. Mason promptly bound his handkerchief about 
Henry’s head, and by the aid of Thomas, carried 
him to the house. 

The wound was by no means dangerous; and hav- 
ing applied such simple remedies as the case required, 
the young gentleman was told to remain quietly in bis 
bed for the remainder of the day. 

The safety of his patient being thus cared for, 
Mr. Mason began to inquire into the cause of the 
accident. 

It turned out that the mischievous Tom Hall was 


62 THE BOY WHO WAS TRAINED 

at the bottom of the whole affair. Mr. Mason kept 
several horses, and among them, a quiet pony, which 
the children were all allowed to ride. While Edward 
and his father had been engaged in the house, Tom 
had appeared again, and finding Frank and Henry 
swinging on the gate, persuaded them to go to the 
stable and look at the horses. The three congenial 
spirits had soon hatched up a fine scheme for a fox- 
hunt. 

Tom, who was a year or two older than the rest, 
accordingly put a bridle upon the pony, and one on 
the carriage horse, upon which he had sometimes 
stolen a ride, when the creature happened to be feed- 
ing in a pasture at a distance from the house. Every- 
thing was soon arranged. Frank mounted the pony, 
and Henry got up behind the milleFs boy upon the 
horse. The double weight by no means pleased the 
spirited creature, which began to plunge and kick, 
making every effort to shake off this unaccustomed 
load. 

Tom easily kept his seat, and really enjoyed the 
sport, but poor Henry was too much frightened to 
know what to do, and was soon left prostrate upon 
the ground, in the way before described. The sight 
of the mischief he had done, put Tom to flight, and 
leaving the wounded boy to get on as best he might, 
he slunk off home. 

When Mrs. Parish returned, the matter was broken 


TO BE A CLERGYMAN. 


53 


to her in a manner not to cause alarm ; and after she 
had given way to her feelings, as weak mothers are 
apt to do, Mr. Mason took occasion to tell her plainly 
what he thought of the ruinous course she had hith- 
erto pursued, in the management of her sons. 

She begged her brother to remember the difficulty 
of keeping them under restraint in large city, the 
many temptations to disobedience, the easy disposi- 
tion of her husband; urging these, and other excuses, 
as apologies for their conduct. 

Mr. Mason was by no means satisfied. He insisted 
that children could be brought up properly anywhere, 
if parents tried sincerely and conscientiously to dis- 
charge their duty. He also, with brotherly afiection 
and tenderness, portrayed the evils she was bringing 
upon herself by suffering her children to have the 
upper hand. 

Mrs. Parish, with all her failings, was a good 
woman, and a most devoted parent, and she felt the 
truth of this. They talked over various plans, by 
which the evil, which had already spread so far, 
might now be checked. Mr. Mason advised that 
Frank should be placed at a school, which he named, 
kept by a clergyman near New York. As for 
Henry he continued, “ if you will leave him with 
me for a few months, we will see what can be done 
for him. When Edward is eight years old, (his 
birthrday is close at hand,) I intend to set him at 
5 * 


54 


THE BOY WHO WAS TRAINED 


the Latin Grammar; and as Henry’s education has 
been much neglected, they can start together.’’ 

The mother was distressed at first, at the thought 
of parting with her sons, but her brother’s arguments 
were so convincing, that no reasonable objection could 
be raised. The only difficulty in the way was to 
obtain her husband’s consent; and she wrote a letter 
that very day, explaining the plan proposed. 

The next week brought an answer from Mr. Parish, 
acquiescing in this arrangement, and as his wife had 
finished her visit, and Henry had entirely recovered, 
Frank and his mother set out for home. 

Mr. Mason had counted the cost before making 
the proposal he did. There would be advantages 
as well as disadvantages to Edward, in having a com- 
panion in his studies and amusements. Although 
Henry had fallen into many bad habits, and was 
unaccustomed to be controlled, he was naturally a 
kind-hearted and affectionate child; and his uncle 
had great hopes that he might be made a useful 
man. 

The Monday after the visitors had left, the new 
arrangement for study began. The boys were to 
sit in the library where Mr. Mason spent much of 
his time, and devote an hour to their lessons. At 
ten o’clock he was to call upon them to recite. If 
the lessons were well said, they were to be allowed 
to play till dinner in the garden or work-shop, as the 


TO BE A CLERGYMAN. ‘ 


65 


weather might chance to he. In the afternoons 
they were to walk or ride, and at night read for an 
hour or so in some entertaining book; and from 
that till bed time play at harmless games. 

Mr. Mason bought a new Latin Grammar for each 
of the boys, and they both seemed not a little pleased. 
It was getting along on a grand scale, to be studying 
the classics. 

Hitherto their lessons had been of the simplest 
sort ; and Mr. Mason knew that grammar would at 
first be very dry. It is necessary, however, for all 
who wish to become scholars, to lay the foundation 
well. 

Every hour spent in the rudiments is saving weeks 
of labor and vexation afterwards. Besides, although 
little boys may have no particular relish for grammar, 
it is much easier to master its rules while young, 
and then their way is made smooth for translating 
whatever books it is required of them to read. 

And now having set our students vigorously to 
work, I shall bring my chapter to a close. 


66 


THE BOY WHO WAS TRAINED 


CHAPTER VIII. 

Young students — Lost time — Blundering recitation — Circus — 
Amusements — The rabbit — Tea-table talk — Answers to prayer 
— Drawing lesson. 

As Edward had before been accustomed to regu- 
lar habits of study, (although the time thus actually 
employed was very short,) he of course felt the re- 
straint to be less irksome than his cousin. 

Mr. Mason sat at the table very busily writing, 
and only now and then raised his eyes to look at his 
pupils. Once he gave Henry a gentle hint about 
gazing out of the window. Then he had to caution 
him not to cut the desk with his knife, which seemed 
open for the purpose. At last, seeing him quite 
busy with a pencil, scribbling upon the fly-leaves of 
his grammar, Mr. Mason spoke somewhat sternly, 
and desired him to improve his time. 

When the little clock on the mantel-piece struck 
ten, the young students were called upon to recite. 

Edward did very well ; but it was plain enough 
from Henryks blunders, that the nature of nouns and 
adjectives presented few charms for him. 


TO BE A CLERGYMAN. 


57 


As Mr. Mason held the grammar in his hand, 
listening with more patience than might be expected, 
to this lame attempt at recitation, he accidentally 
glanced at the pencil marks upon the blank leaves at 
the end. He could scarcely suppress a smile, when 
he saw a caricature of himself sitting in his arm- 
chair, and the two students in attitudes of great ap- 
parent suffering, endeavoring to convey the contents 
of the books to their brains. 

He made no remark upon the drawing; and as it 
was the first lesson, he suffered the mistakes to pass 
pretty easily. 

After dinner the boys were allowed to go to town 
with Thomas, in the “ Democrat, as the little farm 
wagon was called. Both came home at supper-time 
quite full of a circus which was to be along in a few 
days. They had seen the fiaring yellow hand-bills, 
with fiying horses, and dancing men and women, 
posted up at every corner of the streets. Edward 
had never been at such an exhibition, and supposing 
that his cousin’s description of those he had attended 
to be quite correct, he was very urgent with his 
father to let him go. 

Mr. Mason said “No I” most positively. 

Henry expressed surprise ; and his uncle then told 
him that he was willing that they should have all 
reasonable amusements, such as attending shows of 
wild beasts, concerts, &c.; but as for circuses, they 


58 


THE BOY WHO WAS TRAINED 


were too low and debasing to be patronized by decent 
people. 

Mr. Mason was so decided in his manner, that 
nothing more was said. But when the boys were by 
themselves, Henry’s indignation boiled over. I 
wonder what uncle will think wrong next?” he 
asked, in high displeasure. ‘^A pretty thing, in- 
deed, when we can’t go to a circus !” 

I am sure my father always does right,” an- 
swered Edward, sharply. “ He never denies us any 
pleasure which it is proper for us to enjoy.” 

It is well enough for you parsons to be whining 
about wickedness, and propriety, and all that,” said 
Henry, whose ill temper had got a decided advantage 
over his usual good nature. I won’t stay here to 
mope and pine away, I can assure you.” 

There is no telling what more he might have 
added, had not Thomas shouted to them from the 
lower part of the garden, where he was propping up 
some bushes over-burdened with snow, Come here, 
quick ! I have caught a rabbit, which may be you 
would like to see before I let him go !” 

The boys both ran at once to claim the prize. 
After much coaxing Thomas gave it to Edward, who 
shut it up in a cage, which at different periods had 
been the receptacle for divers kinds of beasts and 
birds. The timid creature hid itself, at first, in the 
straw, which had been placed in the corner for a bed; 


TO BE A CLERGYMAN. 


59 


but by degrees it gained more confidence, and ate 
greedily the leaves of lettuce and cabbage which the 
boys gave it. 

At supper, the rabbit engaged the whole thoughts 
of our young friends, and would have formed the 
only topic of conversation, if they had consulted 
their own pleasure. Rules of politeness were too 
'trictly observed at Mr. Mason’s table, to allow chil- 
dren to disturb their betters by their talk, or to 
appear pert and forward. Edward’s mother, how- 
ever, introduced the subject briefly, and the oppor- 
tunity being thus afforded, the little boys, with great 
earnestness, begged permission to have a rabbit 
warren. Mr. Mason laughed at the idea, and told 
them they had no conception how much trouble it 
would give them. They both insisted that they did 
not mind this. Mr. Mason, after some reflection, 
agreed that if the lessons were recited well the next 
day, he would go out with them, and choose a 
proper spot for the warren, and that Thomas should 
help them with the fence, and other necessary fix- 
tures, when the weather moderated. “But you 
have forgotten one thing, Edward,” said his father ; 
“where will the rabbits come from ? It will not an- 
swer to shut up this poor thing by itself; and it 
may be many a year before Thomas catches another.” 

“0 uncle !” exclaimed Henry, “ we have thought 
of all this. A man in town has goc labbits to sell, 
and we are going to buy a pair of him.” 


60 


THE BOY WHO WAS TRAINED 


Very well,” said Mr. Mason; am the more 
willing to grant your request, because it may prove 
the source of some harmless enjoyment, and because 
I felt obliged to disappoint you about the circus this 
morning.” 

Edward seemed to wish to speak, but he hesitated. 

What is it?” asked his father; I see you have 
got something in your head.” 

‘‘I was thinking, father,” said the little boy, 
•^of what Mr. Palmer told us in his sermon the 
Ither day about prayer. He remarked that God 
always answers our petitions in some way, if we really 
ask in faith. Like a kind parent. He does not al- 
ways give the very thing the child asks for, but that 
which is most certain to promote its good. Your 
kindness to us just now, father, made me remember 
this.” 

By this time the tea things had been removed, 
and Mrs. Mason told Sally to bring her a roll of 
paper and some lead pencils which were lying on her 
dressing table. She then called the boys to her, and 
making them take their seat, gave each a pencil, and 
placed before them simple outline sketches from the 
drawing book to copy. 

Mr. Mason had told his wife of the taste for this 
art which Henry had shown on the leaves of the 
Latin grammar; and this little circumstance sug- 
gested a very pleasant and profitable way of passing 


TO BE A CLERGYMAN. 


61 


off some of their leisure hours. They both seemed 
much gratified, and bed-time came while Edward 
was busy in finishing a well-curb, after the pattern 
in the drawing book ; and Henry, in arranging the 
festoons of ivy about the tower of an old Gothic' 
church. Their attempts were of course defective, 
but they bore a decided resemblance to the originals. 


6 


62 


THE BOY WHO WAS TBATNED 


CHAPTER IX. 


Rabbit warren — Ride to church — John Wesley — Sunday eve- 
nings — Bishop Hobart — Missions among the heathen — Bible 
and prayer book — Who will be saved ? 

No possible fault could be found with the lessons 
the next day. The first declension of nouns was 
completely mastered. Mr. Mason was pleased with 
this marked improvement, and taking his hat, he 
told the boys to go with him, and select a spot for 
the rabbit warren, about which they had dreamed 
the night before. 

We must have it a safe distance from the gar- 
den,’^ said he, as they went out of the gate. “ Rab- 
bits would prove very troublesome if they got loose 
from their pen; so we must keep this fact in view.^' 
A few rods west of the house was a fine meadow, 
undulating in its surface, with clumps of grand old 
trees, growing here and there. Mr. Mason made 
choice of a little hillock, as affording a dry place for 
the rabbit house, and because it was partly in the 
shade. The weather being too cold to begin such 
work for some weeks to come, the boys had to con- 


TO BE A CLERGYMAN. 


63 


tent themselves with staking oflf the ground, and 
helping Thomas to cut the pickets for the fence. 

The next day being Sunday, the whole family set 
off for church. The air was clear and bracing, and 
they had much pleasant conversation as they rode 
along. When within about a mile of the town the 
bell was distinctly heard. 

Uncle, inquired Henry, “ why do you never go 
to any other church than ours?” 

What other could I go to ?” asked Mr. Mason, 
in surprise. 

‘‘ Why,” said Henry, with a very knowing look, 
as though he had found his uncle in a mistake for 
once, ‘‘ why there is the Methodist” — and he was 
going on with a long string of names, expressive of 
the different shapes and shades in which the views of 
the so-called Christian world are bodied forth, when 
his uncle interrupted him. 

Not so fast, my boy. The Bible speaks of one 
HOLY, UNIVERSAL CHURCH,* which God has estab- 
lished upon earth, and instead of saying that people 
are to join this society or that, as suits their notions 
best, we are told in simple words, that ‘The Lord 
adds to the church such as shall be saved.^ Acts 
ii. 47.” 

“ Are none of these denominations churches, 
then?” asked Henry, puzzled by this remark. 

• Canticles vi. 9. St. John x. 16. 1 Cor. xii. 13. Ephes. v. 
25-7. SU Matt, xxviii. 19, 20. Romans x. 18. Isa. ii. 2. 


64 


THE BOY WHO WAS TRAINED 


There is a popular sense/^ answered Mr. Mason, 
in which they may be called churches. They are 
religious societies, founded by good men, with hon- 
est intentions of honoring God, and doing service to 
their fellow creatures. If you choose to consider 
this as the definition of a church, then they are 
churches. 

Strictly speaking, however, the church is HTie 
Mngdom of God, built upon the foundation of 
Apostles and Prophets. Somebody has beautifully 
described it, as a temple of God visible on earth, but 
hiding its head in heaven, and outstretched to en- 
compass all nations, with Christ’s atonement for its 
corner-stone, with the Bible for its foundation-walls, 
an Apostolic Ministry for its guarding-buttresses. 
Baptism its wide and open, but still only door of en- 
trance, holiness, with charity, for its long extended 
aisles, faith its high-altar of true and bloodless sac- 
rifice, and love to a redeeming Saviour the kindling 
fire upon it. The Methodists whom you mentioned, 
claim John Wesley as their founder. He was an Epis- 
copal clergyman, who lived and died in the church. 
His course was not a wise one in many respects, but 
his honest purpose was to stir up life in the old 
church, which Christ had established, once for all. . 
Finding that some of his followers began to prefer 
the noise and excitement of their meetings to the 
solemnity and proprieties of our services, he laid 


TO BE A CLERGYMAN. 


65 


down this strict rule, Let all our preachers go to 
church ; let all the people go constantly ; let them 
receive the sacrament at every opportunity; warn all 
against despising the prayers of the church ; against 
calling our society a church ; against calling our 
preachers ministers.’’ Whenever there is any 
church service, I do not approve of any appointment 
the same hour.” 

By this time they had entered the town, and were 
passing by a plain, square, homely-looking building, 
with a bell ringing away in great style, from a little 
contrivance on the roof. 

These Methodists pay great attention to Mr. 
Wesley’s advice,” said Edward, pointing to the peo- 
ple who were collecting about the door; “ I should think 
they would be afraid to be thus disobeying his rule.” 

Mr. Mason paid no attention to the remark, per- 
haps did not hear it ; but thus continued, The 
Methodists, Henry, have, as I conceive, a better 
claim to consider themselves a church than any other 
modern sect ; and you see for yourself upon what a 
sandy foundation their whole fabric rests.” 

Yes indeed, uncle,” said Henry, sandy enough. 
Why, Mr. Wesley, who has the credit of having 
formed the church, declares himself that it is no church. 
What better authority could we ask ?” 

The driver now stopped before the church gate, 
and the little party went in. 


66 


THE BOY WHO WAS TRAINED 


The second service being at night, they always re- 
turned home to dinner, and spent the remainder of 
the day as profitably as they could. 

Sometimes Mrs. Mason took the boys with her to 
see the poor people of the neighborhood, or if the 
weather was unfavorable, they employed themselves 
in reading. After supper on Sunday night, Mr. Ma- 
son always heard them say the Catechism, and ex- 
plained some parts of it. Then the boys took turns 
in reading aloud, for the benefit of the family. The 

Spirit of Missions’^ was generally laid by for these 
occasions, and several biographies interested them 
very much. Among these were the lives of George 
Herbert, Henry Martyn and Bishop Heber, and the 
Early Years of Bishop Hobart. Mr. Mason made 
this selection with a view of keeping Edward’s mind 
constantly directed towards that sacred calling, in 
which he fondly hoped his son might spend his days. 
He thought it both impolitic and wrong, to be con- 
stantly bringing the subject before him in conversa- 
tion, and preferred such indirect influences as I have 
named. 

At first, Henry looked forward to Sunday night 
as a very tiresome time; but soon he became as 
much interested as any of them, and took his turn 
in reading with real satisfaction. By way of im- 
pressing the outline of Bible history on the mind, 
and of keeping the events in proper order, they used 


TO BE A CLERGYMAN. 


67 


a most agreeable and useful book, called Sunday 
Evenings a series of conversations betiveen a mo- 
ther and her son. 

When the boys showed the least sign of weariness, 
the reading was stopped, and they were encouraged 
to converse on any subject of interest which presented 
itself. 

On the night of the Sunday of which I was speak- 
ing last, matters had reached this point, and Edward, 
in casting his eyes about the room, saw the small 
likeness of Bishop Hobart, which hung over the fire- 
place. Did you ever see Bishop Hobart, mother V* 
he asked, still looking at the picture. 

Oh yes, my son,^^ Mrs. Mason answered j I 
have often heard him preach, and he confirmed your 
father and myself.^^ 

I knew he was a good man,^^ said Edward, be- 
cause he did so much for the church, and seemed to 
be always thinking about it. Did not everybody 
love him 

You can be but little acquainted with the world, 
Edward,'^ said his father, “ if you imagine that good 
people will have no enemies. Popularity is by no 
means a sure proof of worth. Besides our Saviour 
says, ‘ Wo unto you when all men speak well of you 
showing that we must expect opposition and reproach 
if we go straight forward in the way of duty. But 
many who found fault with Bishop Hobart while 


THE BOY WHO WAS TRAINED 


living, have had cause to change their minds sinct 
his death. 

Do you remember, my dear,^^ said Mrs. Mason, 
to her husband, what a storm was raised, because 
he would not unite with what are called the * evan- 
gelical denominations * in circulating the Scriptures T' 
‘^Yes, indeed replied Mr. Mason; ‘^and it is a 
remarkable fact, Maria, that at the very time the 
good Bishop brought all that odium upon himself, 
by insisting that the Bible and Prayer-book should 
go together, and that the ministers of God's appoint- 
ment should be sent to explain his Word, there were 
sectarian missionaries in some of their foreign sta- 
tions, actually translating the Prayer-book into the 
language of the natives, as the only hope of making 
any favorable impression upon them." 

“You said this morning, uncle," remarked Henry, 
that there is only one true church. Do you think 
none can be saved, except those who belong to it ?" 

I should be very sorry to believe so," answered 
Mr. Mason. Although we are constantly accused 
of bigotry and exclusiveness, the charge is grossly 
absurd. Instead of teaching, as some do, that none 
but the elect can be saved, or none but those who 
have been immersed, we are confident that all who 
from the beginning of the world, have served God, 
according to the degree of their light, will be re- 
warded hereafter, according to the degree of their 


TO BE A CLERGYMAN. 


69 


improvement. They will come from the east, and 
from the west, and sit down together in His king- 
dom.^^ 

Here Sally came in with a tray of cakes and ap- 
ples ; and as boys are seldom indisposed to partake 
of such things, we will leave them for the present to 
enjoy this treat. 


70 


THE BOY WHO WAS TRAINED 


CHAPTER X. 


Breakfast — Filling the ice house — Alarming symptoms — Gloomy 
forebodings — Doctor’s visit — Night of watching — Pastor's 
prayers — Recovery — Thanksgiving. 


One morning during the winter, while the family 
were seated at the breakfast table, Mrs. Mason 
noticed that Edward ate nothing, and that he lacked 
his usual cheerfulness. His cheeks also seemed 
slightly flushed, and he was very hoarse. 

He was so seldom sick that the parents were some- 
what alarmed, and at once prescribed for him such 
simple remedies as they were accustomed to use 
upon occasions of the kind. The ice-house was to be 
filled that day, and Edward and Henry had been 
looking forward to this event with great satisfaction. 
It was out of the question for the sick boy to think 
of such exposure now, and his cousin felt so sorry, 
that he very considerately remained at home, to help 
to amuse him. 

Thomas soon drove off with the sleigh, and Mr. 
Mason walked down to the pond to give some di- 
rections to the men. 


TO BE A CLERGYMAN. 


71 


Poor Edward was in no condition to be amused, 
but was so restless and languid, that he soon begged 
permission to go to bed. His mother became still 
more uneasy, and sent in haste for her husband. In 
years gone by, they had more than once been called 
to pass beneath affliction's rod ; and the fact that for 
some time past all had gone smoothly with them, 
only added to her fears, lest the dark hour of trouble 
might again be near. In her anxiety of mind, the 
tender mother persuaded herself that the “ little cloud 
arising out of the sea,’’ was only the forerunner of 
the coming storm. Mr. Mason, upon feeling Ed- 
ward’s pulse, was equally alarmed, although he had 
too much prudence and self-possession to betray it 
by word or look, and a messenger was dispatched to 
the village for the physician. Meanwhile, all that 
fond affection could devise, to soothe and relieve 
the little- sufferer, was promptly done. 

Sometimes Edward would toss about from side to 
side, unable to find any position which seemed com- 
fortable at all, for his aching head. Again his 
thoughts wandered, and in fitful dreams he mut- 
tered to himself about things which had engaged 
him in time of health. Then, as if exhausted by 
efforts too great for his feeble frame, the helpless 
child would sink down into a state of stupor. 

The time which passed between the departure of 
the messenger, and the arrival of the physician, seemed 
an age. 


72 


THE BOY WHO WAS TRAINED 


Daylight was slowly fading away, and night crept 
on apace, adding deeper gloominess to a scene al- 
ready dark enough. Mrs. Mason sat by the bed-side, 
unwilling for any cause to leave her post. Her hus- 
band was restless and unhappy, now feeling the pulse 
of his darling boy, now whispering some suggestion 
or word of encouragement to his wife, and then again 
hurrying to the gate, and looking with anxious gaze 
for the returning messenger. Henry was thoughtful 
above his years, and rendered every assistance in his 
power. At last the doctor came. He had been ab- 
sent in the country, when this fresh summons reached 
him, and this had occasioned the delay. 

It was clear from the prompt measures which he 
took, that he considered Edward’s case as dangerous, 
although he expressed no decided opinion on the 
subject. Indeed, he carefully avoided giving a direct 
answer, when Mrs. Mason asked him what he thought 
of the condition of her son. The kind physician 
spent the night with them, watching the development 
of the disease, and insisting that the mother, now 
worn out by fatigue and anguish, should lie down 
and take some rest. The morning dawned, but with 
it no gleams of hope. Edward, if anything, seemed 
worse, and the physician could ill conceal the anxiety 
which he felt. Being obliged to go back to town to 
visit other patients, he left minute directions as to 
the course to be pursued during his absence, and 
promised to return as soon as possible. 


TO BE A CLERGYMAN. 


75 


It would be vain for me to attempt to describe 
the feelings and anxieties of the parents during this 
long and dismal day. Tidings of Edward^s sickness 
had spread through the neighborhood, and many kind 
messages were brought, making inquiries about his 
welfare, and offering help. The mother^s head was 
bowed down like a bulrush, and the very warmth 
and earnestness of these friendly words only added 
to the keenness of her distress. She felt that the 
peril of her darling must indeed be great, when the 
whole community seemed thus to sympathize in her 
alarming anticipations. Let it not be thought that 
these parents had forgotten to look to One for com- 
fort and support, who alone has power to help. With- 
out ceasing had they both besought our Father in 
heaven to hear their earnest prayers. They took 
courage from the kind assurance, Call upon Me in 
the time of trouble ; so will I hear thee, and thou 
shalt praise me.^’ Psa. 1. 15. 

They remembered that a prophet^s prayer had 
raised the widow’s son, and that at the Saviour’s bid- 
ding Lazarus had come forth from the grave. Be- 
fore the physician’s return an idea seemed to strike 
Mrs. Mason, as she moistened the parched lips of 
her suffering child, and turning to her husband, she 
whispered, Send Thomas for Mr. Palmer.” The 
gardener needed no urging to make him use all speed ; 
and the clattering of the horse’s feet were in a few 


74 


THE BOY WHO WAS TRAINED 


moments heard, as he galloped down the lane. Be- 
side the consolation of praying for Edward herself, 
Mrs. Mason had just remembered that there was yet 
another source of help, to which she had forgotten to 
apply. The physician for the hody had been sent 
for, but where was the physician for the sow7, the 
chosen messenger of the Great and good Physician ? 
Had not an inspired apostle left on record these 
marvellous words, The prayer of a righteous man 
availeth much James v. 16. Does he not direct 
that if any be sick, the Christian minister should be 
sent for, to intercede in his behalf ? 

The doctor and Mr. Palmer reached the house with- 
in a few minutes of each other. They had often met 
under similar circumstances before; the physician 
had already witnessed too many proofs of the sooth- 
ing, consoling influences of religious services in the 
sick room, to offer the slightest objection to the cler- 
gyman’s visits to his patients. But the privacy of 
scenes of sorrow is too sacred to be intruded upon by 
prying eyes and ears, and I shall pause at the thres- 
hold of the darkened chamber, while the good man 
goes in to pray. 

A week has passed. It is a bright Sunday morn- 
ing, and the whole of Mr. Mason’s household, great 
and small, are assembled for family worship. There 
must be some mercy, more than those which should 


TO BE A CLERGYMAN. 


75 


make us thankful day by day, which is impressed 
upon the father’s mind, while he reads, with utter- 
ance half choked, and glistening eyes, Thou didst 
turn thy face from me, and I was troubled — then 
cried I unto thee, 0 Lord ; and gat me to my Lord 
right humbly. Hear, 0 Lord, and have mercy upon 
me : Lord, be thou my helper. Thou hast turned 
my heaviness into joy : thou hast put off my sack- 
cloth, and girded me with gladness : therefore shall 
every good man sing of thy praise without ceasing : 
O my God, I will give thanks unto thee forever.” 
Ps. XXX. 7, 8, 11, 12, 13. 


76 


THE BOY WHO WAS TRAINED 


CHAPTER XI. 


Opening spring — Establishment of a colony — Sick boy — Ar- 
rival of friends — School for the poor — Sacrifices — Doing 
more than is agreeable. 

Spring, with its buds and bloom, was hastening 
on, when the boys began to agitate the subject of 
the rabbit warren, with even greater interest than 
before. Edward was anxious to have the work com- 
pleted before his sister returned from school. Ac- 
cordingly, as soon as study hours were over the 
labor began. Thomas had prepared the posts and 
pickets during the winter, so that nothing now re- 
mained but to put them up. But the fence alone 
would not be sufficient security. He accordingly 
drove down long stakes into the ground, about an 
inch apart on every side of the pen. Meanwhile, 
Henry and Edward were busy in putting up a little 
house in the middle of the warren, which was to be 
a sort of homestead for the colony. Very likely 
the rabbits would have preferred their own burrows 
for the purpose, but they could now, at least, have a 
choice. 


TO BE A CLERGYMAN. 


77 


Of course it took much longer to do this work, 
than to describe it. However, it was at last so 
nearly finished that the boys were setting off in high 
glee, to bring the little creatures from the wood-house, 
to their new quarters, when the gardener, who was 
fastening a button on the gate, raised his head, and 
asked, Master Edward, did you know that Tom 
Hall was mighty sick 

“ No,” answered Edward, with evident concern. 

How sick, Thomas ? What is the matter with 
him ? Has he had the doctor ?” 

It was the doctor himself who told me,” said 
the gardener. “ I met him in the road this morning. 
He said that Tom had a fever, and that the little 
fellow stood a poor chance, because his parents could 
afford him so few comforts.” 

Edward staid to hear no more, but leaving his 
cousin to attend to the removal of the rabbits, ran 
to the house as fast as he could. The effect of his 
haste was soon apparent — when Mrs. Mason was 
seen going down the lane accompanied by her son, 
who had a basket on one arm, and a bundle of clean 
linen under the other. 

They found Tom lying on a miserable, uncomfor- 
table bed, in a little leaky house, near the mill. His 
mother was busy in heating something over the fire, 
and a dirty, ragged girl sat by the sick boy, trying 
to fan him with a newspaper, whicH had been 
7 * 


78 


THE BOY WHO WAS TRAINED 


twisted up for the purpose. Tom was suffering with 
an intolerable thirst. Mrs. Mason, taking a lump 
of ice from the basket, and wrapping it in a clean 
towel, broke it up, and gave him a small piece at a time, 
to melt in his mouth. He seemed greatly refreshed, 
and ceased his moaning, which it had been distress- 
ing to hear. Edward busied himself in trying to 
make things more comfortable about the bed. 

The sick boy could scarcely believe his eyes, when 
he saw who were thus kindly ministering to his wants. 
He thought of his own badness. He remembered 
the unkind things he had done to Edward, and the 
many trespasses he had committed upon Mr. Mason^s 
property. At length his feelings of shame and self- 
reproach quite overcame him, and covering his head 
with the bed-clothes, he began to sob bitterly. It 
was some time before he became composed enough to 
tell the cause of his distress. 

Mrs. Mason spoke soothingly to him, and asked if 
they should pray to God to help him. 

Although the poor fellow had perhaps never tried 
to pray in his life, he knew that there was an Al- 
mighty Being, who had power to bless, or to punish, 
and accordingly he accepted of the offer with thank- 
fulness. 

They all knelt down, and Mrs. Mason repeated the 
Lord’s prayer, (Edward joining with her in this,) and 
the prayer for a sick child. 


TO BE A CLERGYMAN. 


79 


Promising to send in the evening to inquire after 
her patient, and telling Mrs. Hall to come to the 
house for anything they needed, she returned home. 

I have gone on so slowly with my history thus far, 
that it will be necessary for me to make more speed. 
Let me say, therefore, in few words, that Tom’s sick- 
ness, though painful and lingering, did not prove fa- 
tal. By God’s blessing upon the physician’s skill, 
and the kindness of Mr. Mason’s family, he was about 
again in a few weeks. 

I am happy to add, that he arose from his sick bed 
a wiser and a better boy. He seemed now resolutely 
determined to try to do right, and the great improve- 
ment in his character was remarked by all who knew 
him. 

When the excitement attending Lucy’s return from 
school, and the arrival of Henry’s mother, had some- 
what subsided, Mrs. Mason broached a plan one 
evening, which she said had long occupied her 
thoughts. Several families in humble circumstances 
were living within a mile of the house, and as they 
enjoyed no church privileges, she proposed to orga- 
nize a Sunday school, for the benefit of the children, 
who were thus growing up in ignorance. 

The young people warmly seconded the proposal. 
Mrs. Parish, although she had no personal concern in 
it, was very considerate for the convenience of others, 
and therefore yaid to Mrs. Mason, in some amazement, 


80 


THE BOY WHO WAS TRAINED 


Really, Maria, you cant^ be serious in proposing to 
bring all those unmannerly children here, to worry 
your life out of you 

No,” answered Mrs. Mason, amused at the other’s 
warmth, that certainly is not my object. But I 
mean to ask them to come, and learn something 
which will be likely to benefit them.” 

^^But,” resumed Mrs. Parish, consider how 
much trouble it will give you. Sunday is the only 
breathing spell that one has ; and to lose that, for 
the sake of those poor, ignorant creatures, who will 
not even thank you for your pains, is asking too 
much.” 

If we only do the pleasant parts of our duty,” 
said Mrs. Mason, and leave the rest to take care 
of itself, the world will be the worse ; and I am sure, 
we shall not be in the way to deserve happiness or 
prosperity.” 

^^You see, sister,” interposed Mr. Mason, who 
knew that her easy, self-indulgent disposition could 
not understand, in its full extent, the obligation 
which rests upon every follower of the Saviour to 
carry his cross with patience — ^^You see, sister, 
that Maria is just as resolute as ever, in whatever 
she undertakes. There will be no use in trying to 
oppose the scheme ; so let us see what can be done 
to help it along.” 

The family then entered into a friendly conver- 


TO BE A CLERGYMAN. 


81 


eation on, the subject, each one making any sugges- 
tion he thought best. 

It was finally determined that the children’s play- 
room should be fitted up with benches, which could 
be set out of the way during the week, and that Mr 
3Iason should send for the necessary books. 

All entered into the measure with such hearty 
good will, that in the course of two weeks the 
school had been organized, much to the satisfaction 
of the scholars and the encouragement of the 
teachers. i 

The rule was, to meet at three o’clock on Sunday 
afternoon, when Mr. Mason began the exercises with 
the appropriate little service in the office of devo- 
tions.” 

Mrs. Mason and Lucy each had a fine class of 
girls, of different ages and capacities. 

Henry and Edward were required to recite a les- 
son in Beavin’s Help to Catechising,” and after- 
wards were allowed to teach some of the smaller boys 
their alphabet. 

Our friend Frank, whom we have not heard from 
so long, had been taught to sing at school; and his 
skill in this department was now turned to some 
account. 

The children began with plain psalm tunes, and 
afterwards learned several chants. 

It was a pleasant spectacle to see their happy 


8 ! 


THE BOY WHO WAS TRAINED 


faces while thus engaged. The once unruly Tom 
had become diligent and teachable, and was making 
quite rapid improvement, considering how long his 
mind had lain uncultivated like a barren waste. 

I would not have you suppose that everything went 
on smoothly, without discouragements and drawbacks. 
Some of the children would occasionally be rather 
unmanageable. Now and then they had a quarrel 
among themselves. Once several stopped coming 
for a Sunday or two, and when Mrs. Mason inquired 
the cause, it turned out that the Baptist parents had 
been alarmed at some notions which their children 
had brought home about haby sprinkling ” as they 
called it. 

These difficulties, and others, which I shall not 
stop to enumerate, were all overcome by the ener- 
getic, prudent course pursued by the directors of the 
school. 


TO BE A CLERGYMAN. 


83 


CHAPTER XIL 


Horse-back rides — Fishing — Bad temper cured — Old red lion — 
Temperance in all things — Rector’s visit — Mr. Wilson — First 
fruits — Baptism. 

Mrs. Parish had intended to take her two sons 
home with her for a few weeks; but Mr. Mason 
urged so strongly that they should remain where they 
were, that at last she consented, upon condition 
that the whole family would make her a visit at 
Christmas. 

It is something of an undertaking to travel so far 
in cold weather, but as the time was yet at a dis- 
tance, and the difficulties on this account seemed 
less insuperable, he promised accordingly. 

The boys were now all large enough to manage 
a horse, and Mr. Mason encouraged them to ride 
daily. He considered it a great disadvantage for 
any man, and especially a minister, not to be able 
tavide and drive with confidence. 

Occasions will sometimes arise, when it will be 
absolutely \necessary that he should do so. 

Frank had a decided turn for field sports. His 


84 


THE BOY WHO WAS TRAINED 


uncle did not actually forbid his use of a gun, but 
always insisted that he should go by himself, in order 
not to risk the lives of others. 

He advised, however, that fishing should be sub- 
stituted, if amusements of the sort must be had ; and 
as it was much pleasanter to have company in his 
sports, this soon became the order of the day. 

I am unable to say what influence Isaac Walton\s 
Complete Angler,^' may have had in determining 
his choice. I only know that he pored over the 
book for some days, and fishing took the place of 
gunning. 

It is but justice to Frank to state that he had de- 
rived great benefit from the discipline of school, and 
intercourse with other boys. 

Sometimes his old infirmities would manifest them- 
selves, but always in a modified form. 

He had received no little credit for his deportment 
at Mr. Mason’s during this visit, and his partial 
mother had probably given vent to her satisfaction 
somewhat too often for his good. 

If this were the case, his self-satisfaction had a 
damper put upon it ; for one day, being crossed in 
some purpose, passion got the better of his judgment, 
and he used several highly offensive words. 

His uncle mildly reproved him, and watching an 
opportunity when he had recovered his good temper, 
he said to him, am afraid, my dear boy, that you 


TO BE A CLERGYMAN. 


85 


trust too much to yourself, and do not think to ask 
God^s help to enable you to speak and to do those 
things that are right/' 

Frank made no reply, and his uncle continued, I 
once heard a story of an inn-keeper who had for his 
sign a great red lion, painted in the grotesque style 
of early times. 

His successor in business determined to improve 
upon this, and employed an artist to furnish a more 
appropriate device. He soon spread a covering of 
white paint over the king of beasts, and ornamented 
the board with a fine brick house, having trees and 
shrubbery about it, and everything else in keeping. 

“The improvement called forth universal appro- 
bation. In course of time, the effect of heat, and 
cold, and storm, began to be manifest. The colors 
of the picture became less bright. In some places 
it was quite indistinct. At last the coat of white 
paint, which had served as the ground-work, began 
to peel off ; and then once more the face of the old 
red lion was seen looking out as fiercely as before. 

This has always seemed to me an excellent illus- 
tration of the impossibility of getting rid of those 
deeply imprinted marks of sin which have been made 
in the soul, unless something more than outward re- 
formation — a white-washing of the character, as I 
may call it, be resorted to." 

Frank was interested in what his uncle said, and 

8 


86 THE BOY WHO WAS TRAINED 

althoughi he discovered that the remarks had refer- 
ence to his own case, so far from being offended, he 
desired Mr. Mason to proceed. 

^^Any change to he permanent, ^Francis, must 
reach the heart. This can only he effected by the 
help of God’s grace.” 

The conversation had glided on imperceptibly, un- 
til that which began as a gentle reprimand for faults, 
assumed the form of a pleasant discourse, in which 
the reproved^ as well as the reprover j felt interested. 

I suppose, uncle,” remarked Frank, that with 
the views you have just expressed, you cannot place 
much dependence in the system of pledges upon which 
the temperance movement is grounded ?” 

None at all,” answered Mr. Mason ; the whole 
thing proceeds upon wrong principles. It is as much 
as saying, that the gospel having failed to reform the 
world, some other machinery, better adapted for the 
purpose, must be devised. But until you can inspire 
a person’s conscience with a sense of right and wrong, 
all the pledging in the world will not keep him sober, 
or enable him to do anything else.” 

Do you think temperance societies altogether un- 
necessary ?” asked Frank. 

Most assuredly,” said his uncle. To be tem- 
perate in all thingsj in eating as well as in drinking 
is a very important part of religion. If the gospel 
is preached, as a matter of course, temperance is not 


TO BE A CLERGYMAN. 


87 


lost sight of. You may as well organize anti-swear- 
ing, or anti-smoking societies, and any others you 
please, as those which are promising to do such great 
things now.^^ 

Here Lucy came in to say that Mr. Palmer had 
arrived, according to appointment, to baptize Mr. 
Wilson’s children. 

I ought, perhaps, to stop long enough to say, that 
Mr. Wilson was the owner of the mill, and what the 
world calls a thrifty man.” He was strictly upright 
and honest, but so bent upon becoming rich, that he 
seldom thought of the realities of another life. 

Making no pretension to religion himself, he cared 
very little for it in others ; and sometimes congratu- 
lated himself tha!t he was better than those who were 
called Christians. He would certainly have been 
greatly astonished, if any one had told him a few 
months before, that a clergyman would ever come to 
the neighborhood to baptize Ms children. Yet so 
it was ! 

Mr. Mason went out at once to welcome the rec- 
tor, whose visits were always highly prized. 

The good man seemed to enjoy the country air and 
quiet. He had a kind word for every body, and took 
an interest in the progress of the children ) making 
special inquiries as to what Edward had been reading, 
and oifering some suggestion which would have the 
effect of keeping his thoughts in a proper channel. 


88 


THE BOY WHO WAS TRAINED 


Sometimes lie brought a book for him to read; 
sometimes he referred to encouraging reports from 
the missionary field ; sometimes he spoke of changes 
for the better, in their own parish. 

There was always an opening for a happy and pro- 
fitable reference to the subject of the ministry, and 
he never failed to use it to the best advantage. 

The baptism, of which Lucy spoke, was one of the 
first fruits of the Sunday School. 

The children were all taught the Catechism, and 
Mr. Mason had provided a good selection of books 
and tracts, which they were allowed to take home 
with them. 

Mrs. Wilson, in reading one of these, had become 
convinced that she was wrong in suffering her chil- 
dren to grow up like heathen, and she spoke to her 
husband about having them christened. 

He objected very stoutly ; not that he had any 
reasons to urge ; but he had been saturated with the 
spirit of indifference, which is one of the effects of 
the mournful divisions among Christians, and insisted 
that the children should be allowed to grow up, and 
choose for themselves. 

Mrs. Wilson was too much in earnest to be put off 
in this way, and at last he consented, very prudently, 
however, throwing all the responsibility upon her. 

The children were brought to Mr. Mason^s, and 
the family assembled in the dining-room. 


TO BE A CLERGYMAN. 


89 


Mrs. Mason and Lucy were the sponsors. It was 
really an impressive scene. Two boys and three girls, 
were thus Enrolled as soldiers of Christ, and signed 
with the cross, in token of their allegiance to Him. 

When the service was over, Mr. Palmer took the 
basin of water which had been used, and emptied it 
out of doors. He had no superstitious notions on the 
subject ; but he felt that everything which has a 
tendency to encourage a proper reverence for sacred 
things, ought to be attended to. 

The neglect of small matters, is apt to make us in- 
different about greater ones. 

The baptism soon became the subject of conver- 
sation about the neighborhood, and other parents be- 
gan to think it might be well to give their children the 
same privilege. Mr. Hall the miller, was one of these. 

Tom was now too old to be baptized as a child, and 
Mr. Mason had been taking him through a course of 
instruction, for some time past, in view of his re- 
ceiving this sacrament as an adult. 

Mr. Palmer would have preferred to have had the 
baptism in the church ; but as this, for several reasons, 
seemed quite impracticable, he made another appoint- 
ment to visit the country. 

And why not have service when he comes in- 
quired Mrs. Mason, as soon as she heard of it. 

So we can, my dear,^^ answered her husband, 
if you will find a suitable place for the purpose.’^ 
8 * 


90 


THE BOY WHO WAS TRAINED 


I am sure/' she observed, with her usual prompt- 
ness, when a matter of interest engaged her thoughts, 
I am sure Mr. Hall will let us have the4)ig room in 
the mill, where the political meeting was held last 
year.^^ 

A good thought,’^ replied her husband ; and 
upon this suggestion, the application was made, and 
a cheerful consent given. 

But as I have already spun out my chapter too 
long, I must leave the carrying out of this plan till 
ipy next. 


TO BE A CLERGYMAN. 


91 


CHAPTER XIII. 


Service at the mill — Sermon for the times — Bishop Chase — 
Highways and hedges — Church colleges — Leaving home — 
The new trunk — Departure. 

To accommodate the laboring people, the service 
was held at night. 

A small stand, with a writing desk on the top, 
formed a pulpit. The room was tolerably lighted by 
candles placed here and there. 

The larger children of the Sunday School had 
learned to respond, from using the Office of Devo- 
tion, which I mentioned before. 

At the hour appointed, about fifty persons, large 
and small, had assembled ; and Mr. Palmer, arrayed 
in his gown, took his place at the desk. 

He began by explaining, in a few simple remarks, 
the nature of the service which was to follow ; telling 
the people that however new it might seem to them, 
the time had been, when the whole Christian church 
was one, and that their forefathers for generations, had 
worshipped God according to the rules of the Prayer- 
book. 

He then began with that glorious vision of the final 


/ 


92 


THE BOY WHO WAS TRAINED 


triumpli of Christ’s kingdom in the earth : From 
the rising of the sun, even unto the going down of 
the same, My name shall be great among the Gentiles } 
and in every place, incense shall be offered unto My 
name,” &c. 

The chants were very well sustained, and at the 
close of the second lesson, the candidates were requested 
to present themselves for baptism. 

Tom Hall and his mother, and several small chil- 
dren came forward. 

Mr. and Mrs. Mason were witnesses for the adults. 

Who could have believed that the tongue of the 
once lawless Tom, which had been ‘^full of cursing 
and bitterness, would so soon be heard solemnly prom- 
ising, by God’s help, to keep His holy will and 
commandments, and walk in the same all the days of 
his life ?” 

When the psalm had been sung, Mr. Palmer an- 
nounced as his text our Saviour’s promise to His peo- 
ple : Where two or three are gathered together in 
my name, there am I, in the midst of them.” — St. 
Matthew xviii. 20. 

He used no notes on this occasion, as a written ser- 
mon would have seemed strange to most of those pres- 
ent. Besides, he designed to discourse to them in a 
familiar style, suited to their capacities and tastes. 

The preacher began by reminding his hearers who 
it was that thus addressed them in the text ; none 


TO BE A CLERGYMAN. 


other than the Great Head of the church, the Eternal 
Son of God. 

He then mentioned the various ways in which Christ 
Jesus was present with His people. He is in the 
midst of them to hear their prayers. He speaks to 
them in the lessons from the Bible. He blesses the 
sacraments of the church, to the good of such as 
rightly receive them. He makes the instructions of 
His ministers profitable to the humble-minded and 
the teachable. 

He enlarged upon each of these points, but I have 
no room to give his remarks. 

In conclusion, he urged upon all to improve the 
privileges vouchsafed, and never by indifference or 
unbelief, to provoke the Saviour to withdraw His 
presence from them. 

A solemn silence reigned for some moments after 
the benediction had been pronounced; and then all 
quietly retired to their homes. 

The church has been too backward in availing 
herself of such opportunities of doing good,’^ said 
the rector, when the family had reached Mr. Mason^s 
house. I often think of a remark which I heard 
from good old Bishop Chase, when pleading the 
claims of the west. He insisted that the regular es- 
tablished parishes, in our cities and towns, regarded 
the church as a fine lady, whose lawn and linen and 
silk could not be expected to go forth into the high- 
ways and hedges.^^ 


94 


THE BOY WHO WAS TRAINED 


most absurd idea/' said Mr. Mason, but 
entertained, no doubt, by many good people. If the 
high claims of the church are not all mere moon- 
shine, she must be adapted to the wants of all peo- 
ple, whether rude or refined." 

Certainly," returned Mr. Palmer, and we lose 
ground daily, by leaving the hush-fighting j as it is 
called, to be done by others. We are bound to 
< preach the gospel to every creature, and we cannot 
hope for God's blessing, while we neglect the poor 
and the ignorant." 

The evening was wearing away, and Mrs. Mason 
very considerately observed, that as Mr. Palmer 
must be weary after the labors of the day, probably 
he would like to retire early to rest. 

He thanked her, saying, ‘‘I should be glad to do 
so. Let us first however, sing a hymn, and unite in a 
short prayer. As we have been engaged in mission- 
ary work to-night, suppose we sing Bishop Heber's 
hymn." 

All therefore, joined in singing, ^^From Green- 
land's icy mountains/' and the little company dis- 
persed. 

Since the great improvement in Tom Hall's cha- 
racter, Mr. Mason had been desirous to see him en- 
gaged in regular business. His first idea was to take 
him into his own employ, as assistant to the gardener ; 
but, upon farther refiection, he determined to let him 
learn a trade in town. 


TO BE A CLERGYMAN. 


95 


Mr. Mason had some influence with a thrifty, enter- 
prising book-binder, who, upon his recommendation, 
agreed to receive Tom into his establishment. 

It is true, the lad would be more exposed to evil 
examples and temptations, than in the country ; but 
his kind friend thought that these objections would 
be overbalanced by the social and religious privileges 
he could there enjoy. 

About this time, Frank and Lucy went back to 
school, and having thus got some of our friends into 
active employment, it will be needful for me to pass 
over a long space of time, in which nothing unusual 
occurred. 

Henry and Edward continued to improve in their 
studies, and the Sunday School prospered. 

Mr. Palmer had been so encouraged by his services 
at the mill, that he came out for the purpose once a 
month. 

Edward had just passed his fourteenth birth-day. 
Although naturally of a frail constitution, the wise 
course adopted by his father, in obliging him to take 
plenty of exercise in the open air, had made him 
comparatively stout and vigorous. 

The habit of reading aloud had strengthened his 
lungs, and given him a good command of his voice. 

Mr. Mason having now carried him through his 
preparatory studies, was casting about, to know what 
college would suit him best. 


96 


THE BOY WHO WAS TRAINED 


He consulted with friends, and gleaned informa- 
tion from every available source. 

As the result of these inquiries, he concluded that 
he ought to patronise a church institution. 

The larger universities can boast of their libraries 
and full corps of professors ; but, after all, Mr. Mason 
knew, from his own experience, that their books were 
seldom of much benefit to the students, and that the 
long list of titled dignitaries, was no evidence that 
the instruction would be more thorough than in 
schools of less pretension. 

The fact that church colleges are in their infancy y 
and consequently weak^ is no reason why they should 
be neglected. Nay, it is a strong argument why our 
people should stand by and sustain them. 

Mr. Mason acted upon this principle, and arrange- 
ments were accordingly made for Edward^s departure 
to college, at the opening of the next session. 

As Henry was to be a merchant, his father thought 
it unnecessary that his classical education should be 
carried on further. He therefore, returned to the 
city, with a view of attending to book-keeping. Ed- 
ward’s mother was very busy in preparing clothes, 
and everything necessary for his comfort. 

He never had been absent from home for any long 
time before ; and it was with a heavy heart, that she 
thought of his going now. 

A new trunk was got for him, with his name on a 


TO BE A CLERGYMAN. 97 

brass plate, and in this his clothes and' books were 
packed 

The morning for his departure arrived much sooner 
than any body wished. 

His father was to go and see him safely through 
with his examinations. 

The carriage drove to the door, to take them to the 
town, from which the boat would start. 

The luggage was strapped on behind. Edward 
lingered as long as possible, arranging some little 
matters which were to be attended to during his ab- 
sence. 

He shook each member of the household affection- 
ately by the hand, unable to give utterance to a word ; 
and when his mother tenderly embraced him, saying, 
in faltering accents, God bless you, my son,” he 
hastened to the carriage, that he might give vent to 
his feelings in a flood of tears. 

9 


98 


THE BOY WHO WAS TRACNED 


CHAPTER XIV. 


College examination — Freshman class — Fitting up a room— 
The first night — Noisy visitors — Free concert — Welcome de- 
liverance. 

The college examination passed oflf as such things 
usually do, the reality proving not half so terrible as 
the anticipation. 

Although Edward was thoroughly prepared, so far 
as scholarship was concerned, his mind was kept in a 
state of feverish excitement and apprehension, until it 
had been officially announced that the thirty young 
gentlemen who had presented themselves, were re- 
ceived as members of the freshman class. 

Mr. Mason requested that his son might be allowed 
a room-mate somewhat older than himself, that he 
might sooner become acquainted with the ways of 
the world, into which he w^s thus suddenly brought. 

He knew that Edward, having hitherto enjoyed 
the peaceful retirement of home, might otherwise be 
bewildered; although he felt great confidence in the 
stability of his moral principles, resting, as they did, 
upon a sure trust in the Almighty. 


TO BE A CLERGYMAN. 


1/9 


A room was accordingly assigned to him, which 
was occupied by Charles Porter, a member of the ju- 
nior class. 

He had not returned, at the opening of the session, 
so th^t I cannot present him to the reader just now. 

Our young collegian soon provided himself with 
the necessary furniture and books, and you may 
imagine him, if you please, sitting down on the first 
night of the term, to begin his lessons. 

His father having already left town, the last link 
which bound him to his much loved home seemed 
rudely broken, and his heart began to fail. 

He felt, however, that he had a work to do, and 
that despondency would only hinder him in the at- 
tempt to prosecute it with success. 

Brushing a tear from his cheek, he trimmed his 
lamp ; and arranging his Xenophon and Lexicon, be- 
gan in good earnest. 

The bell for study hours had rung, and Edward 
took it for granted that all, for whose benefit the sig- 
nal was given, would be as prompt to heed it as him- 
self. 

He was therefore surprised to hear the most out- 
landish noises, and merry peals of laughter from va- 
rious parts of the hall; and in the course of an hour 
or so, the trampling of many feet seemed coming to- 
wards his door. 

A violent thump was given, and before the host 


100 


THE BOY WHO WAS TRAINED 


could invite his guests to enter, a boisterous set of 
youths, from fourteen to twenty, marched in without 
ceremony, each puffing away at a cigar, and appar- 
ently quite satisfied with themselves, and with every- 
body else. 

Well, Mason,’ ^ said one of the party, with a fancy 
smoking cap on one side of his head, and a large stick 
in his hand, with whom Edward remembered to have 
exchanged a few words in the morning, Well, Ma- 
son, we thought we’d come and make you a sociable 
visit to-night, knowing that you must be rather lonely 
and low-spirited.” 

Edward, uncertain whether to take him in jest or 
earnest, invited them to be seated, regretting that he 
had not chairs enough for the company. 

Oh never mind,” said the knight of the smoking 
cap, “ we’ll make ourselves perfectly at home.” 

With this, he set the example, by plumping down 
in the middle of the bed, while those who could not 
find chairs, took possession of the trunks and table. 

And now that we are all comfortable,” shouted 
a scrubby little fellow, with a fiery red head, Joe 
Spencer, give us a song.” 

“ With all my heart,” answered the worthy thus 
addressed, clearing his pipes for the purpose, and 
you must all join in the chorus with vim.” v 

^^Wait a moment, till I give you the pitch,” said 
the hero with the big walking stick ; so saying, he 


TO BE A CLERGYMAN. 


101 


thumped the floor most vigorously, and ihe song 
began. 

Spencer led off in very respectable style, and the 
rest assisted in the chorus, in the manner he had re- 
quested. 

Poor Edward looked on in mute astonishment. 

“Kussell,^^ cried a wiry-looking youngster, who 
had perched himself on the window sill, and was add- 
ing his share to the noise by kicking the wall with 
his heels, ^‘Kussell, let’s have a Latin chant now. 
Maybe, as Mason is a student who consumes the mid- 
night oil, he may prefer it to plain Queen’s English. ” 

The new chorister waited for no second invitation, 
but began with a familiar air an ode of Horace, pro- 
bably the only scrap of learning he could muster for 
the purpose. 

Maecenas atavis edite regibus," 

0, et praesidium et dulce decus meum, 

Sunt, quos curriculo pulverem Olympicum,” &c. 

Bravo! bravo ! encore!” screamed the delighted 
crowd, at the same time stamping their feet and clap- 
ping their hands till Edward was nearly deafened by 
the noise, and suffocated with the dust thus raised 
from every crevice in the floor. 

declare, Russell,” said Spencer, with mock 
modesty of manner, ^‘you throw me into dim ob- 
scurity.” 

Yes indeed,” cried the red-haired freshman, “ he 
Q* 


102 THE BOY WHO WAS TRAINED 

can chant mass better than Cardinal Wolsey him- 
self/^ 

But din and uproar at last become tiresome to those 
who enjoy them most, and somebody proposed that 
Mason should furnish a cold collation for the com- 
pany, in return for their musical entertainment. 

This was like adding insult to injury; but the mo- 
tion was carried unanimously, with increased noise 
and confusion, when the door suddenly opened, and 
a college tutor requested the rioters to retire to their 
rooms. 

The assembly immediately dissolved, some one say- 
ing in a jocular way, as they hurried along the hall, 
Who’d have thought it was so late ? I declare, I 
did not observe the study bell 

Edward thus delivered from his tormentors, tried 
to arrange his bewildered thoughts. Having at 
length finished his task, he read the Psalter for the 
evening, and in addition to his usual devotions, be- 
sought God to bless his absent friends, and to carry 
him safely through the trials and temptations of his 
new state of life. 

With a quiet conscience, he retired to rest; his 
dreams of home being strangely mixed up with vis- 
ions of smoking caps and canes, and a noisy company 
of unbidden guests. 

And now, having carried our young freshman safely 
through his first day at college, we will leave him to 
enjoy his repose. 


TO BE A CLERGYMAN. 


103 


CHAPTER XV. 


Early prayer bell — Pleasant acquaintances — Boyish pranks — 
Religious principles — Secret societies — Christian heroism— 
Midnight oyster supper — Persecuted monitor. 


The next morning Edward was roused from bed 
by the prayer bell. He had resolved always to be up 
in season to attend to his private devotions before 
going to recitation. This time, however, it was im- 
possible. It amused him somewhat, to see the sleepy- 
looking figures hurrying to the chapel, dressed in 
tattered morning gowns or shabby over-coats, each 
with a bundle of books under his arm. He was, how- 
ever, shocked to observe that many spent the time 
of prayer in conning over their lessons, doing their 
best in this way, to make up for the hours wasted in 
the sports of the night before. 

Edward in the course of a few days began to feel 
more settled and contented. He had formed some 
pleasant acquaintances among the students, and was 
glad to find that the persecution he had suffered was 
not owing to any personal dislike, but a sort of or- 
deal through which every freshman was expected to 


104 


THE BOY WHO WAS TRAINED 


pass. Indeed, he afterwards discovered that his own 
experience had been light compared with that of 
others. The plugging up of key-holes, and the squib- 
bing and ducking, and a hundred other tricks which 
had been practised upon his classmates, made him 
thankful that he had suffered no worse. 

Edward was so accustomed from his early religious 
training to look upon evil with abhorrence, that it 
would not be easy to entice him into the ordinary 
dissipations of college life. He had, however, other 
and to him more dangerous temptations to resist. 

Those who are familiar with the internal working 
of our college systems, need not be told of the interest 
felt by the students for their literary and secret so- 
cieties. They make themselves acquainted before- 
hand, so far as may be, with the character and stand- 
ing of the new freshman, who will enter, and are pre- 
pared to spread their nets accordingly. 

It was soon noised abroad that Edward Mason's 
father was wealthy, and the acquisition of a member 
with moneyed qualifications is considered a point of 
some interest. The societies had therefore appointed 
their electioneering agents to bring the various influ- 
ences to bear upon him, which students understand 
so well. Edward became a lion at once. He was 
courted and caressed, and what pleased him much 
better, had no more practical jokes played upon him. 
Every body’s effort seemed to be to win his favor. 


TO BE A CLERGYMAN. 


105 


Edward was puzzled to account for the change. He 
knew too little of the world to unravel its devices. 
Nothing, however, was allowed to relax his attention 
to study, or interfere with the discharge of his re- 
ligious duties. 

About ten days after the beginning of the term, 
Charles Porter made his appearance. He was at 
least three years older than Edward, and possessed a 
fine open countenance, and a gentlemanly bearing. It 
would very likely have suited him better to have a 
room by himself, but as this could not be, he was 
evidently pleased to have a companion who promised 
to be so agreeable. The president had assured Mr. 
Mason that Porter, though not religious, was steady 
and well-disposed, and on this account, a safe com- 
panion for his son. This description was true, as far 
as it went. Charles Porter had reached that age 
when flattery and other causes lead the young to 
pride themselves upon their acquirements, and to de- 
light in startling the serious-minded by bold and un- 
qualified statements in regard to politics and religion. 
The sneers and sarcasms of Paine, and the gilded 
poison of Gibbon, had exerted a most unwholesome 
influence upon him. But of this fact the president of 
the college knew nothing. 

On the first night after his return, Edward was 
surprised to see him go to bed without any devotional 
exercise whatever ; and it made him feel rather awk- 
wardly as to what course he should pursue. Con- 


106 THE BOY WHO WAS TRAINED 

science told him that there was but one way to act. 
He accordingly kneeled down as usual, and although 
Porter was probably quite as much astonished to ob 
serve what Edward was about, as the latter had been 
to discover his neglect, he was too well bred to laugh 
outright while the boy was upon his knees. When he 
had said his prayers and was preparing to undress. Por- 
ter remarked in a trifling way, “ Mason, when you get 
done with your orisons, please blow out the light. 
It takes you a long time to tell your beads, and it is| 
hardly fair to add to the number of your invocations, 
but I would be glad if you would remember to speak 
a good word for me 

Edward made no reply, but silently asked help of 
God to withstand the shafts of ridicule 

No allusion was made the next day to what had 
passed the night before, and Porter, who really took 
a fancy to Edward, did all he could to help him 
through the difficulties in his studies, and to make 
the hours of recreation pass pleasantly. 

Everything had been going on quietly for a month, 
when one night there seemed to be some mysterious 
plot on hand. Several of the most unruly students 
were seen dodging from room to room, whispering to 
this one and that one, and among others, asking Por- 
ter’s advice about something, in regard to which he 
gave no satisfactory answer. Long before day-break 
Edward heard an unusual noise in the opposite room, 
where Turner the bell-ringer lodged. He seemed to 


TO BE A CLERGYMAN. 


107 


be trying to burst open the door, which he finally 
succeeded in doing. Edward lost himself in sleep, 
and did not learn the cause till afterwards. It ap- 
pears that several of the sophomores, who thought 
more of fun and frolic than of anything else, had 
frightened two or three freshmen into giving them 
an oyster supper, and in order that they might not 
be disturbed at their feast by the tutor, or called up 
from bed too early in the morning by the bell-ringer, 
had fastened the doors of these functionaries, with 
some contrivance of their own. The first part 
of the plan was most successfully carried out ; but 
Turner got the better of them in the second, and 
at the proper hour the old bell sounded its usual 
warning. 

Besides the ofi&ce already mentioned. Turner was 
required by the faculty to act as monitor, reporting 
absentees from prayers, and those who were tardy. 
Such duties, of course, rendered him exceedingly un- 
popular. 

Poor fellow ! He was one of those praiseworthy, 
excellent young men who have raised themselves by 
incredible efforts from some humble station, and are 
struggling hard with poverty and opposition, to gain 
a good education and prepare themselves for useful- 
ness in life. 

Turner must have been at this time twenty-five 
years cjf age, and his pale wasted face, and languid 


108 


THE BOY WHO WAS TRAINED 


eye, told a tale of sorrow and privation which could 
not be mistaken. In order to meet the expenses of 
his college course, he was obliged to perform the 
drudgery just referred to. 

All considerate, well-disposed students treated him 
with respect and kindness. Some, however, were 
thoughtless and wicked enough to give him all the 
trouble they could. 

Edward felt drawn towards him as soon as he heard 
his story, and used often to go in to visit him. Al- 
though Turner was a Presbyterian, and rather set in 
his way, they had enough in common to render such 
intercourse agreeable to both parties. 

This familiarity, as might be supposed, brought upon 
Edward a share of the ridicule which had formerly been 
showered upon the bell-ringer alone. 

Have you had your prayer meeting this morning 
with brother Kichard one would solemnly inquire. 

Well, Parson Mason,^^ another would say, ^^what 
do you think of the doctrine of original sin ? You 
will have to help Turner in his devotions a long time, 
before the bells of the horsesj which Old Bald-Pato 
read about the other day in chapel, will have holiness 
written on them, much less college bells 

Edward managed to preserve his good temper ; and 
although his pride was often deeply wounded, and 
his refined sense of politeness shocked, he pursued 
the even tenor of his way, turning aside neither to 
the right hand nor to the left. 


TO BE A CLERGYMAN. 


109 


CHAPTER XVI. 


Lent — Good Friday — Principle and policy — The black board 
— Deacon Gillespie’s party — New advocate for the truth — 
Spiritual fast. 

The solemn fast of Lent had been wearing slowly 
away, and upon the night of Thursday in Holy Week, 
the college faculty were assembled, and there seemed 
to be some difference of opinion whether or not the re- 
citations should be suspended on the morrow. 

“ It would hardly be consistent, Professor Simp- 
son,’’ said the President, for a church institution to 
overlook the great fast of the year, and the day of our 
Saviour’s death.” We have to think a little of 
POLICY in such things,’^ answered the Professor. 
“ Good Friday is an important day, I will allow, 
and this is a church institution, but the college is 
yet in its infancy, and I am afraid we might give 
otfence to some of our patrons, who, perhaps, would 
not like their sons to lose a recitation, because we 
happened to have a fast day.” 

“Policy, as I conceive,” said the President, 
should not hinder us from standing up for ouryjnna- 
10 


110 


THE BOY WHO WAS TRAINED 


jp/es, and I would be greatly mortified if any student 
under my care should have an opportunity of reproach- 
ing me, as an early Bishop of one of our Dioceses was 
reproached. As head of a college, he was composedly 
hearing his class in mathematics on the anniversary 
of the crucifixion, when a roguish youth scrawled 
upon the black-board, with the chalk provided for 
another purpose, ^ This is Good Friday !’ ‘ A 

pretty broad hint, certainly,^ observed Tutor Davies, 
who enjoyed a joke, ^ It was almost as good as the 
honest juryman, who having urged all his arguments, 
in vain, to convince the judge to adjourn the court 
from Holy Thursday to Saturday, carried his point, 
by quietly remarking, Well sir, if you do sit upon 
the bench on Good Friday, you will be the only judge 
since the days of Pontius Pilate who has done so !’ ” 

I need not record more of this rambling discussion, 
sufl&ce it to say , principle triumphed policy, and 

the most solemn and sacred day of the whole year, 
was honored in the college, by the omission of reci- 
tations, and by attendance upon public worship. 

Some of the students, to be sure, made light of 
the time honored observance, and went reluctantly to 
church, while others managed to escape altogether, 
and spent the day in amusement. As a church in- 
stitution, however, a bold and decided stand had 
been taken, which could not fail to win confidence 
and support from all who cared for the prosperity of 


TO BE A CLERGYMAN. 


Ill 


Zion. An impression for good was also made, upon 
the mind of more than one wild and thoughtless 
youth, who probably until that sudden stoppage of 
worldly business, had never dreamed that the day 
of our Saviour^s sufferings was known, or honored. 
All in the town, however, did not thus observe the 
day. Indeed, Deacon Gillespie, (not a Deacon, mind 
you, like those in the Scriptures, who were clergymen^ 
and could preach and baptize,) actually gave a party 
on that night, to which several of the students were 
invited. Edward was one of these, although he had 
his own reasons for not going. Spencer and two or 
three others went ; but of course without permission 
from the proper authorities. 

^^And so you all marched to the church, this 
morning,^^ said Miss Angelina Gillespie, in a flippant 
way, curling her pretty lip in mockery as she spoke. 

^‘Pray what did you do there 

At almost any other time, Spencer would have 
been ready to join with her in ridiculing the usages 
of the church, but now, for some reason, her silly 
frivolity failed to please. He accordingly answered. 

Why, attended to the service, to be sure, and 
heard a good sermon.’’ 

“ Attended to the service !” exclaimed the young 
sprig of Puritanism. That beats me. I suppose 
the organ made a noise, as usual, and old Mr. Plimp- 
ton said Amen through his nose.” 


112 


THE BOY WHO WAS TRAINED 


There you are out again/^ said Spencer, politely 
handing Miss Angelina her fan, which she may pos- 
sibly have dropped, on purpose, to try his gallantry. 

The organ was only played once or twice, and I 
must acknowledge that the very want of music, which 
is generally the part I most admire, added to the im- 
pressiveness of the scene.” 

[He had never read those beautiful words of the 
pure-minded and able Bishop Horne, giving the rea- 
son, why there is less music during Lent than at 
other times. For a little season, even the sacred 
music of the Church hath not been heard; but her 
harp also, like that of holy J ob, ^ hath been turned 
to mourning, and her organ into the voice of them 
that weep f while either, with one of the Marys, she 
hath stood under the Cross, or watched, with the 
other, at the grave of her Lord.”] 

“ Well, what more ?” inquired Miss Gillespie, evi- 
dently somewhat interested in the matter, notwith- 
standing the indifference which she tried to assume. 

I had no idea of going over the whole programme,” 
said Spencer, laughing, but since you have asked, 
I may as well finish the story.” 

By this time, several persons, old and young, had 
gathered around, to listen to the dialogue. 

^‘1 don’t know what part of the service they call it,” 
continued Spencer, apparently not observing that the 
number of his auditors had increased, but, at any 


TO BE A CLERGYMAN. 


113 


rate, soon after the commandments were finished, 
there was a long chapter describing the spenes at the 
crucifixion. The clergyman read it admirably. 

Every body stood up, and, on looking about me, 
I saw that many persons were weeping. I don’t 
wonder, the effect was certainly almost overpowering, 
and when, at the close of the chapter, the organ, 
which thus far had been silent, struck up, and a few 
fine voices sang in soft and subdued tones, ‘ There 
was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour,’ 
and those other words which describe the wonders 
which marked our Saviour’s death, I never, in my 
life, experienced such indescribable emotions before.” 

Spencer was almost frightened at his own enthu- 
siasm, when, upon turning round, he discovered how 
many had received the benefit of his description, and 
heard the good-natured deacon summoning his guests 
to supper. 

‘^Well,” remarked Miss Angelina, taking Spen- 
cer’s arm to go down with the company. “ Good 
Friday might do, if people were not expected to fast. 
Pa says he does not believe in denying ourselves 
meats, or drinks, but that he goes in for a spiritual 
fast I” 

I am sorry the deacon is not at hand to explain to 
tis, incredulous ones, what he means by this. 


10 * 


114 


THE BOY WHO WAS TRAINED 


CHAPTER XVII. 


Class-meeting — Clay's speech — A bolt — Two heroes — Reproach 
— Escape from death — Course of reading — Confirmation- 
Stirring sermon. 

One morning, during the earlier part of the second 
session, a notice, to this effect, was seen pasted upon 
the front door of the college : — The Freshman class 
wiU meet at number 20, this morning^ at 8 o^clocJcJ^ 

At the hour appointed, the members of the class 
were all in attendance. 

A chairman was elected,* and some one stated the 
object of the meeting. It was to request the faculty 
to excuse them from recitation that morning, in order 
that they might hear a speech which Mr. Clay was 
expected to make in the public square. 

A committee was accordingly appointed for the pur- 
pose, and an adjourned meeting agreed upon two 
hours later, to which a report of their proceedings 
would be made. 

The reckless students, for the most part trifled 
away the time in various sports, taking it for granted 
that their request would be acceded to. 


TO BE A CLERGYMAN. 


115 


A good deal of indignation was accordingly ex- 
pressed, when a flat refusal was returned. The 
faculty informed the committee that the recitations 
would be over in ample time for the class to attend 
the political gathering, if they wished ; but that it 
would be highly improper, and a most dangerous 
precedent, to break in upon the order of the college 
exercises, because Mr. Clay, or Mr. anybody else, 
was to speak. 

^^Yery weiy' shouted a dozen voices at once; ^‘if 
we can’t have leave, we’ll go without it. I move for 
a bolt!” 

The response was one loud burst of applause. No 
negative was called for. 

When the tumult had somewhat subsided, a grave, 
sensible-looking youth, arose and said ; I, for one, 
am opposed to any such course !” 

Hisses and groans silenced him at once. Cries 
were heard from every quarter, ‘^Down with the 
coward ! Out upon the bootlick 1” 

At this moment who should attempt to speak, but 
our friend Edward. I am just as anxious to hear 
Mr. Clay as any of you,” ho began, but I will not 
go without permission.” 

Another white-livered coward,” shouted the mob. 

Mason, don’t make a fool of yourself,” said 
somebody in a coaxing tone. 

A'} for being a coward,” replied Edward, with 


116 


THE BOY WHO WAS TRAINED 


spirit, ^^you know I can’t rightly be charged with 
that. I dislike to do anything against the wishes 
of the majority ; but if every other member of the 
class votes for the bolt, I must oppose it.” 

A more deafening clamor than ever prevented his 
saying any more ; and, in the desperation of the mo- 
ment, the crowd rushed from the room, shouting, 

Let the bootlicks go to recitation if they dare ! 
we’ll fix ’em out in style if they do !” 

The bell rang at eleven o’clock, and Edward and 
the other youth, who had opposed the rebellion, 
were the only freshmen found in their places. 

The recitation went on as if nothing had happened. 
Of course, the faculty were obliged to reprimand the 
absentees very severely ; but, as it would hardly an- 
swer to dismiss so large a portion of a class, they es- 
caped without further trouble. 

Now came fresh trials for Edward. Hitherto, 
what persecution he suffered, had been from those in 
the upper classes. His own classmates were now so 
provoked, that they scarcely noticed him. He was 
greeted as a coward and a toady to the faculty. 
Every possible scheme of mischief was thought of, 
in order to render him uncomfortable. 

Edward’s faith and patience were sorely tried. 
But he looked above for help, and went about his 
business as before ; never forgetting that he had a 
character to sustain, the character of a gentleman 
and a Christian. 


TO BE A CLERGYMAN. 


117 


This undeserved odium at last began to die away, 
and the circumstance which had called it forth was 
well nigh forgotten. 

The mild spring weather tempted many of the stu- 
dents to wander off farther than usual, one Saturday 
afternoon, when it was proposed that they should go 
in the water to bathe. It proved to be colder than 
they thought, and some, who had ventured out a good 
distance, were seized with cramps in their arms and 
legs. 

Joe Spencer, of the concert memory, was one of 
these. I mention him, in particular, because, though 
a sophomore, he had gone out of his way to show 
contempt for Edward, when he refused to join with 
his class in a bolt. 

The hair-brained youth was now in a desperate 
strait. Unable to do anything for himself, he cried 
in piteous tones for help. 

None seemed able or willing to afford it. In the 
midst of the general consternation and dismay, Spen- 
cer disappeared. At this moment, Edward, who had 
already come out of the water, and was dressing him- 
self upon the shore, plunged in, and, by a desperate 
effort, brought up the half drowned lad. The other 
swimmers lent their assistance, ?ind he was borne 
safe to land. Kubbing, and the use of simple reme- 
dies, soon restored the circulation. Edward was well 
nigh exhausted by the efforts he had made, and as 


118 


THE BOY WHO WAS TRAINED 


soon as he saw Spencer out of danger, returned to 
his room. He was never called a coward afterwards. 

It was mortifying to Spencer, to feel that he owed 
his life to one whom he had so unmercifully abused; 
but he had manliness enough to come and apologize 
for his wrongs, and thank his deliverer most heartily 
for the disinterested kindness he had manifested. 

Besides his regular studies, Edward, by his father^s 
advice, began a course of reading. The histories of 
Greece, Home, and England, kept him busy for 
some time. There were books in abundance at his 
command, and he felt convinced that one who expects 
to lead an active life, ought to lay in a good stock of 
information upon every subject, while the opportu- 
nity is afforded him. 

No professional man can turn such a treasure to 
better account than a clergyman. He must mix with 
every class, and it is a great thing for him to be able 
to meet all upon their own ground. 

Edward paid particular attention to composition 
and declamation; and remembering how well it hap- 
pened for Mr. Palmer that he could speak extempor- 
aneously at the mill, he practised this art in the de- 
bating societies of the college. 

About a month ♦before Commencement, Edward 
received a letter from this kind friend, urging him to 
be confirmed at a visitation which the Bishop pro- 
posed shortly to make to the church in the neighbor- 


TO BE A CLERGYMAN. 


119 


hood of the college. Edward had been looking for- 
ward to this holy rite for two years or more, but did 
not feel himself prepared to receive it. Moreover, 
it would be very trying to take such a step while at 
college. Perhaps he did not acknowledge to him- 
self that this consideration had any weight with him ; 
but it undoubtedly had. 

There is no telling what conclusion he might have 
come to, had it not been for a sermon preached by 
the clergyman of the parish, on the Sunday before 
the expected visit of the Bishop. 

A larger number of students than common were 
present, and the subject, which was most happily 
chosen, seemed to interest them very much. It was 
an enumeration of the benefits and blessings of early 
piety. Among these, he mentioned the great advan- 
tage of beginning in season with a work so long and 
difficult ; the barrier thus raised against the encroach- 
ments of vice ; the promotion of happiness in the do- 
mestic circle ; the heavenly influence exerted upon 
companions and friends ; the indescribable satisfaction 
thus given to parents ; the ready access afforded to a 
throne of grace ; the preparation thus made to meet 
the storms of adversity ; and the exceeding great re- 
ward laid up in the world of glory. 

I have certainly furnished reasons enough, my 
friends,’^ said the preacher, looking upwards to the 
gallery, where the students sat in a body, with their 


120 THE BOY WHO WAS TRAINED 

eyes riveted upon him, ^*1 have certainly furnished 
reasons enough why you should desire Grod^s favor^ 
and why you should see^ it now. 

“ He does not expect, when you first engage in his 
service, that you should have attained perfection. 
As well might the soldier refuse to enlist, until he 
had fully acquired the art of war. 

“ As new and inexperienced recruits, you will of 
course, have much to learn ; hut this knowledge can 
only be gained by casting in your lot among God^s 
people ; going with them on their heaven-ward march ; 
and by struggling side by side, in the deadly contest 
with our foes. 

The season when confirmation is administered, 
is the time when this enlistment should be made. 
It is true, every one at baptism becomes a soldier of 
Christ. This is to be his ultimate destiny. Until 
the years of discretion have been reached, he has, 
however, merely been going through with the prepa- 
ratory training, which is to fit him to bear the hard- 
ships of the camp. 

God is now inviting you to enlist ! To-day he 
sits upon a throne of mercy ; stretches out the hand 
of friendship ; smiles upon you with a Father’s af- 
fection, and says, (oh irresolute, half-determined, 
backward, procrastinating child, accept this offer of 
his love,) ‘ Those that seek Me early shall find Me.’ ” 


TO BE A CLERGYMAN. 


121 


CHAPTER XVIII. 


Sunday night studies — Important resolution — Visit to tho par- 
sonage — Encouragement — Ridicule — The enlistment — Good 
example — Bigotry — Ambassadors without a commission. 

Edward and his room-mate were both busily en- 
gaged on Sunday night, the one in getting a chapter 
of the Greek Testament, and the other in Paley’s 
Evidences, for the next morning’s recitation, when 
Porter laid down his book, and after musing for some 
time, said, I suppose. Mason, you, of course, will be 
confirmed next Sunday 

The sermon to-day determined me,” answered 
Edward. Porter, why won’t you go too ?” 

The young man seemed fairly startled by the pro- 
posal. 

Edward had observed a great change in him for 
some months past. He was seldom irreverent now 
in speaking of sacred things, more regular at church, 
and often read his Bible. 

I am afraid I should be a most unfit subject,” 
said Porter, after reflecting upon his friend’s propo- 
sal, for a few minutes. 

11 


122 


THE BOY WHO WAS TRAINED 


If you go upon the ground of fitness or unfit- 
ness,” replied Edward, there would be an end of 
the matter with all of us. God calls sinners to his 
service, and promises to help us to do right, if we 
only show a willingness to help ourselves. I often 
think of a verse which I learned when a child : 

* God will support our hearts 
With might before unknown ; 

The work to be performed is ours, 

The strength is all his own.’ ” 

I must confess,” said Porter, looking very earnest 
as he spoke, the sermon to-day set me to thinking 
seriously of the duty of being confirmed. Until I 
knew you, Mason, I regarded religion as all well 
enough for school-girls and old people, but quite be- 
neath the notice of men. Your character and con- 
duct have taught me better.” 

Don’t speak of me, or of what I do,” interrupted 
Edward, with confusion, but Porter do go with me 
to see our minister.” 

After some hesitation, the young man consented. 
Looking at his watch, and finding it only eight 
o’clock, Edward insisted that this was the best time 
they could possibly have. 

Mr. Palmer had taken pains to write to the cler- 
gyman whom they proposed to visit, and put Ed- 
ward under his particular charge when he first 


TO BE A CLERGYMAN. 


123 


entered college; so that he felt no hesitation in call- 
ing upon him. 

Porter’s courage began to sink, when Edward 
rang the bell at the rectory, and the servant an- 
nounced the visitors. 

I’hey were shown into the study, where they found 
the clergyman. He seemed glad to see them, and so 
encouraged the young men by the cheerful light which 
he threw upon the Christian life, that they felt glad 
that they had come. 

‘^You must not hope to do everything at once,’^ 
he remarked to Porter, who was expressing fear that 
he might disgrace his profession in some way. Only 
try by God’s help, to get the mastery over your evil 
tempers, and to obey his will more perfectly, day by 
day.” 

As they rose to take their leave, he gave them 
each a neat copy of Bishop Wilson’s Sacra Privata, 
and begged them to make it the companion of their 
lives. 

Although the two friends were silent about the 
matter themselves, ;^nd endeavored, by retirement, 
reading and prayer, to be better prepared for the con- 
firmation, it was soon noised abroad that Porter had 
^^got religion,’’ and that Mason had reached perfec- 
tion. 

The students were not surprised to hear anything 
of the sort about Edward, but they could scarcely 


124 THE BOY WHO WAS TRAINED 

believe it possible that the flippant and scoffing Por- 
ter had been induced to take such a stand. He was 
tried and tormented in various way, but he continued 
steadfast in his purpose. 

I think I should certainly fail, Mason/^ he said, 
one day, when a laugh had been raised at his expense, 
“if I did not remember how manfully you stood it, 
when we were all against you. Many a time my con- 
science has stung me for making sport of you at your 
prayers.^^ 

“ Oh, never mind that now,’^ answered Edward ; 
“ God will carry you safely through.’^ 

The Sunday came. The church was thronged. 
The students nearly all turned out to witness the cere- 
mony. 

The sermon of the Bishop was eloquent and stir- 
ring; and if any had felt disposed to turn back, their 
fears and misgivings were banished by the encourage- 
Xnent he gave. 

While the choir sang the hymn, 

“Soldiers of Christ, arise, 

And put your armor on,” 

the candidates came forward. A silence, like the 
grave, pervaded the vast assemblage. 

The answer to the important question which was 
to determine the choice of so many immortal beings 
for eternity, came forth clear and decided, “I do.’^ 
When the Bishop, “ after the example of the holy 


TO BE A CLERGYMAN. 


125 


apostles/^ laid his hands upon the head of each, and 
repeated the solemn invocation, Defend, 0 Lord, 
this Thy servant, with Thy heavenly grace, that he 
may continue Thine for ever, and daily increase in 
Thy Holy Spirit more and more until he come unto 
' Thy everlasting kingdom, it was felt by all that the 
PRESENCE of the Unseen One was there. 

As Porter and Edward took their seats at the sup- 
per table that night, some irreverent witling spoke 
up, and said, ‘‘ Well, Porter, have you got any more 
piety on board than you had this morning 1 ” The 
young man colored, bit his lips, but made no reply. 

Edward watched him with interest, and felt thank- 
ful that he showed so much self-command. 

Notwithstanding occasional outbursts of this sort, 
it was evident enough that the stand taken by our 
friends, and the solemn confirmation service, had 
made a decided impression for good upon the minds 
of many. Oaths and vulgar language became less 
common, and more outward respect was shown for re- 
ligion. Turner had always felt an interest in Porter, 
and now he often came in to chat with him. 

On the Sunday after the confirmation, he was speak- 
ing of having been present on the occasion, and of 
the effect which the service had upon him, when turn- 
ing to Edward, he said, Suppose, Mason, that you 
and Porter go with me to church to-night 

I did not know,^^ answered Edward, that the 
church was open.^' 
li* 


126 


THE BOY WHO WAS TRAINED 


^^0^ none of your joking/^ rejoined Turner, (who, 
the reader will bear in mind, was a thorough Pres- 
byterian,) taking it all in good humor; you know 
very well what I mean/^ 

I am not joking/^ said Edward ; I spoke what 
I believe to be true/^ 

Turner looked rather astonished, and asked him 
how he could be so illiberal. 

‘^It is not illiberal/^ he answered. ^‘We should 
not be charged with unkindness and bigotry because 
we speak the truth. 

But why won’t you go with me inquired Tur- 
ner, not knowing what to make of Edward. 

Because,” replied he, I feel that I am commit- 
ting a sin whenever I go to hear a man undertake to 
preach, who has no right to do it.” 

How ! no right ?” asked Turner, a little nettled, 
but still not seriously angry. 

‘^Why,” resumed Edward, ^‘suppose that our 
clergyman had been taken sick last Sunday, and it 
was found after the congregation had assembled that 
there was no person to ofi&ciate ; would any man or 
any set of men, however good, have been authorized 
to appoint one to preach and administer the sacra- 
ments ?” 

Turner looked horrified at the idea, and answered 
^^No,” without hesitation. 

Well, then,” continued Edward, suppose that 


TO BE A CLERGYMAN. 


127 


although they had no rights they did call upon some- 
body who could read respectably, and bore a good 
character, to act as their minister, would this make 
him one V’ 

By no means,^^ said Turner, not yet discovering 
the drift of the argument. 

Suppose again,^^ remarked Edward, ‘^that the 
man thus suddenly elevated to the pulpit, should 
happen to take a liking to his new business, and 
should continue to preach for several Sundays longer, 
would he be any more a valid minister than at 
first 

No,” answered Turner, as unreservedly as before. 

^‘If, then,” said Edward, becoming animated as 
he spoke, If, then, such a state of things should go 
on for years, the congregation tolerating these irreg- 
ular proceedings, and the man-made preacher contin- 
uing to hold forth for their edification, would lapse 
of time make him a regular minister of God ?” 

Of course not,” replied Turner, with great frank- 
ness. 

‘^Then,” continued Edward, drawing the conclu- 
lion from what had been said before, ‘^Then you 
have pronounced sentence against your own preachers ! 
They were appointed in the days of Luther and Cal- 
vin, to meet a supposed necessity, and the unlawful 
proceedings have been continued under different forms 
until now.” 


128 THE BOY WHO WAS TRAINED 

“ It has always seemed to me/' observed Porter, 
although I know but little of theology, that a man 
would have a much better right to present himself as an 
ambassador from the United States to the court of 
St. James or St. Cloud, without having been appointed 
by the proper authority, than for one to claim to be 
an ambassador from God without having been called 
and ordained." 

Turner was not altogether pleased with the conclu- 
sion to which the discussion had been brought, but 
he said, with noble frankness, I did not know be- 
fore, Mason, what the views of your church were on 
this subject. As plausible as your argument appears, 
it would be hard for me to believe that so many good 
people may be wrong." 

You must not reason in that way," answered 
Edward. “ Good people may be mistaken sometimes 
as well as others. I have talked more now than I 
intended to. Arguments of this sort do little good. 
But I would like to lend you a book, if you will prom- 
ise to read it." 

With all my heart," said Turner, taking a vol- 
ume of Chapman^s Sermons, which the other handed 
him. And now, with this finger board in sight point- 
ing to the old paths," we leave him for a time, to 
determine for himself, which road he ought to take 


TO BE A CLERGYMAN. 


129 


CHAPTER XIX. 


Innocent enjoyments — Manly determination — Unexpected diffi- 
culties — The comet — Saturday night in the chapel — Every 
body astonished. 

If my readers should be led to suppose, from the 
tone of the last chapter, that our friend Edward now 
gave himself up to moping and melancholy, or that 
he spent his whole time in religious discussions, I 
should he doing him great injustice. He had always 
been taught to believe that no persons had so good a 
right to be cheerful and happy, none so large a license 
to indulge in the innocent enjoyment of life, as those 
who had given themselves up to God, seeking 
first his kingdom, and the righteousness’^ thereof. 
No student in college engaged more heartily in the 
cricket-match, and the game of football, and the va- 
rious invigorating sports in which young men are so 
fond of testing their agility and strength. Edward 
felt that while Christians are not of the world, they 
must live in it, and if they are to accomplish any 
good, it cannot be by keeping aloof from their fellow 
men, but by showing, in their example, that obedi 


130 


THE BOY WHO WAS TRAINED 


ence to the rules of the gospel does not unfit them 
for the diligent discharge of all the duties of life. 
His disposition was naturally so generous and oblig- 
ing, that it always cost him an effort to refuse tc 
grant any favor which was asked of him. In small 
things, however, as well as in great ones, it was his 
earnest endeavor to do right. 

Upon a bright, frosty Sunday morning in winter, 
for example, when the ice was in fine order, he would 
have numerous applications for his skates. Of course 
he refused to lend them, and frankly gave as a reason, 
that we had no. right to appropriate the hours which 
God had set apart for himself, in order to attend 
either to business or pleasure, and that he would not 
encourage such desecration of the Lord\s day, in any 
way or shape. This manly avowal of religious prin- 
ciple was not the proper course to gain popularity, 
but it certainly did not cause him to forfeit anybody's 
respect. The most wicked and abandoned, however 
they may speah otherwise, cherish a secret admiration 
for those who have the courage and consistency, in 
the midst of difficulties and reproaches, to live up to 
their profession. Edward one day found himself in 
a very awkward situation, from a cause which seemed, 
by no possible chance, to lead to such a result. The 
taste for drawing, to which reference was made in an 
early chapter of this history, had been cultivated, at 
odds and ends of time, and he could now wield the 


TO BE A CLERGYMAN. 


131 


pencil and brush with considerable skill. His class- 
mates and others occasionally called upon him, to 
assist them in this way. One day, he was re- 
quested as a great favor to paint a comet, with 
a long and blazing tail, upon a large sheet of paste- 
board which was brought for the purpose. Some 
plausible excuse was given for making the request^ 
and Edward suspected no harm. More than a week 
passed away, and still no tidings of the comet. 
Suddenly, however, it made its appearance again, at 
a time and place most unexpected to the artist. 

When the President had closed the evening devo- 
tions in the chapel, on a memorable Saturday in Ed- 
ward’s college career, he took up a letter and a roll 
from the seat beside him, and remarked, in a very 
serious tone, Young gentlemen, I have the evi- 
dences in my hand of a most unprovoked and out- 
rageous piece of mischief, which has been perpe- 
trated by some of you, as I have every reason to fear, 
and the affair is of such moment, that the faculty 
have determined to sift it to the bottom.” 

He then went on to read the letter, as follows. 


Springwater, Monday, A. M. 

Respected Sir. — Will you allow a stranger to address you a 
few lines, about an unmannerly hoax, which some of the stu- 
dents under your charge have practised upon our unsuspecting 
sommunity? I am the teacher of the district school in this 


132 


THE BOY WHO WAS TRAINED 


neighborhood. On Tuesday of last week a young man, with 
green spectacles, called at my lodgings, and introduced him- 
self as a lecturer on astronomy, asking permission to address 
the schools in this ^neighborhood upon that subject, and as a 
farther inducement, said that he had discovered a new theory 
of comets, and that' his remarks would be illustrated by appro- 
priate diagrams. Thinking that a lecture upon subjects so in- 
teresting would gratify my patrons and pupils, I encouraged 
the enterprise, and persuaded two other teachers to bring their 
scholars, on the night agreed upon, they consenting to share in 
the expense. Every arrangement was accordingly made, and 
our meeting-house was crowded. The lecturer had appeared, 
at the hour appointed, and a companion took his place as door- 
keeper, and received an admission fee from each person that 
entered. The address seemed to some of us to be not a little 
rambling and disjointed, but I am not sure but that every- 
thing might have passed off without difficulty, had it not been 
for discoveries afterwards made. The two strangers having 
been generously feasted by one of our most substantial farmers, 
took their departure the same night. 

The first thing which led us to suspect an imposition, was 
finding two or three charts in the pulpit, with which the lecture 
had in a manner been illustrated, but which the lecturer in his 
baste had neglected to carry away. Upon examination, they 
were found to be two geological charts, with marks upon them, 
which induced us to suppose that they must belong to your 
college. The only diagram which relates to astronomy at all, 
is the one containing the comet. In short, sir, we feel that 
we have been swindled out of our money, and had our feelings 
most grievously wounded. I return the charts, in hopes that 
you may be able to detect the offenders. 

Yours, with great respect, 

Jeremiah Jenkins.” 


TO BE A CLERGYMAN. 


133 


The President having deliberately read the letter, 
took off his spectacles, and looking around upon the 
astonished collegians, expressed, in the strongest 
terms, the indignation he felt at this whole proceed- 
ing. He then called upon all those who had any- 
thing to do with the affair, to come out like honor- 
able men, and acknowledge it. There was a dead 
silence. No one moved. All eyes were riveted upon 
the President. At last, when he had about concluded 
to postpone any further investigation, until he had 
again consulted with his colleagues, to the utter amaze- 
ment of every one present, Edward Mason arose and 
said, Doctor, I feel bound to confess that I made 
that drawing of the comet I” 

The President looked thunderstruck. Do you 
mean to say, Mr. Mason,^^ asked the Dr. with some 
severity of manner, Do you mean to say that you 
were one of the actors in this outrageous proceeding 
No, sir,^^ answered Edward with promptness and 
composure, I drew the diagram at the request 0/ a 
friend, not having the slightest idea that it would 
ever be used for an evil purpose.^^ 

‘^Although you may have had no hand in the per- 
formance,^^ continued the President, ^^and I must 
frankly acknowledge that I should never have sus- 
pected you of such an offence against good manners, 
to say nothing of common honesty, yet you must 
know who the offenders are.’^ 

12 


134 


THE BOY WHO WAS TRAINED 


Really, sir, I do not,^^ responded Edward. 

The Dr. seemed at a loss how he ought to proceed 
next, and for the sake of allowing himself further 
time for consideration, the students were suffered to 
depart. 


TO BE A CLERGYMAN. 


135 


CHAPTER XX. 


The home of dissipation — Heroes in a quandary — Green spec- 
tacles — Innocence at the bar of judgment — Restitution. 

I MUST beg the reader to accompany me for a few 
moments to a corner room, in the third story of one of 
the college buildings, in which two rakish looking 
youths seem engaged in earnest discourse. 

Everything about the apartment indicates slovenly 
habits and reckless extravagance. 

Books and clothes are scattered in every place 
where such things could well be bestowed ; the table 
covered with newspapers, and novels, and scraps of 
themes, and love ditties, the whole strangely mixed up 
with pipes and tobacco, and a bottle and glasses, 
which last named articles are just doing good service. 

I say, Russell,” and one, lounging back in his 
rocking chair, Mason did play the part of a man 
didn’t he ? Let’s drink to his health.” 

With all my heart,” answered the worthy thus 
addressed, helping himself to a fair allowance of the 
sparkling liquor. ‘^Who would have thought it! 
Mason is no milk-sop. He is a perfect trump. But 


136 


THE BOY WHO WAS TRAINED 


Spencer, is there no danger that he may be coaxed 
or frightened into peaching 

Not he,’^ answered Spencer, who had a particular 
reason, as we well know, for feeling kindly towards 
Edward, however much they might differ in morals 
and manners. 

There is not a fellow in college, Bussell, whose 
honor I would sooner trust.^^ 

^‘Well, granting all that,^^ said Bussell, setting 
down his empty tumbler as he spoke, ‘^we are in a 
confounded bad snap, Joe, and I don^t see how we 
can well get out of it.^^ 

How so asked, his companion, in a startled 
tone. We have nothing to do but to keep our own 
secrets, and nobody will be the wiser. There goes 
one tell-tale now,^^ he continued, dragging a pair of 
green spectacles from his pocket, and throwing them 
into the fire. I am thankful that the school-master 
did not give a more particular description.^^ 

I said we were in a bad fix, Spencer,^' remarked 
the other, because the reading of that letter in 'the 
chapel this afternoon has put everybody on the alert, 
and how we are to dispose of so many shillings and 
sixpences I can’t conceive.” 

I trust they got the worth of their money,” in- 
terrupted Spencer, bursting out into a hearty laugh. 

The country folks think that lectures are so im- 
proving, I hope they were not disappointed this time.” 


TO BE A CLERGYMAN. 


137 


That’s neither here nor there/’ exclaimed Rus- 
sell, somewhat pettishly. ^^You had better keep 
down your risible faculties, and help me to contrive 
a way of getting out of the boggle. I would not for 
a pretty have the authors of the mischief known 
about college — we should be fairly run to death.” 

What can’t be cured must be endured, as the 
book of Job has it,” said Spencer, filling a pipe, and 
preparing to smoke. And besides, you are the cause 
of the whole mischief, Russell. If you had not 
hurried oflP, like a goose, and left the diagrams in the 
pulpit, all might have been well.” 

I was thinking too much of the spoils, I will 
allow,” answered Russell, but how can a body have 
his mind on everything at once? Next time I’ll 
trust to getting pocket money in some other way.” 

My reader must, by this time, have grown weary 
of staying in this untidy apartment, listening to such 
unprofitable discourse, and we will therefore conduct 
him to another part of the college premises. 

The faculty are assembled in the President’s room, 
and Edward is also there. It seemed strange and un- 
natural to him to be summoned to that place, and upon 
such suspicious business, but his conscience was clear, 
and he had nothing, so far as he was concerned, to 
conceal. 

^‘You acknowledge, Mr. Mason,” said the Pro- 
fessor of Mathematics, looking steadily at our young 
12 * 


138 


THE BOY WHO WAS TRAINED 


friend as he spoke, ^^You acknowledge that you 
drew that astronomical diagram?^' 

“ Yes, sir,’^ answered Edward, waiting for the 
question which should follow. 

For what purpose did you make it?^' asked the 
dignified and deliberate Professor.^^ 

To gratify one of the students, replied the 
young man. 

You said this afternoon, Mr. Mason,” interrupted 
the President, who seemed worried at this slow unrav- 
elling of the plot, you said that you knew nothing of 
the purpose for which the drawing was to be used. 
Had you any suspicion, until the explanation was 
made in the chapel, that it had been employed in 
an improper way ?” 

None, sir; none at all. No person could possibly 
have been more astonished than I was,” and sincerity 
and truth beamed from every line of Edward’s open 
countenance as he spoke. 

Well, be so kind as to tell us, then, for whom 
you made the drawing,” said the President, sternly. 
“ I do not feel at liberty to do so,” was the reply. 
The members of the faculty looked one at the 
other, and there was a pause. 

I have honestly told you,” continued Edward, 
seeing that he was expected to say something more, 
I have honestly told you all that I know of the 
matter, I am not even certain that the one for whom 


TO BE A CLERGYMAN. 


139 


the diagram was made, had anything to do with the 
lecture at Springwater. In naming him, I might be 
exciting suspicion against lin innocent person; be- 
sides, by my own example, I have shown to the 
authors of the trick, whoever they may be, how I 
would do, if I occupied their position. I should con- 
sider that in acknowledging my fault, I had done 
something towards repairing the injury.^^ 

His course was so manly and straight-forward, that 
he was at once dismissed, without further examination. 

Edward had hardly reached his room, before Spen- 
cer, who had been anxiously looking out for his re- 
turn, came in, and heartily thanked him, for the con- 
siderate and magnanimous course he had pursued. 

Our young friend showed plainly, both in manner 
and word, that he was by no means pleased, and told 
the lecturer on astronomy what he thought of his 
conduct. 

Indeed, he so thoroughly convinced Spencer that 
the proceeding was neither witty nor wise, but down- 
right dishonesty, that upon consultation with Bus- 
sell, the money was returned to Mr. Jenkins, with 
an humble apology. 

And here ended what threatened to be a most dis- 
agreeable and painful affair. 


140 


THE BOY WHO WAS TRAINED 


CHAPTER XXL 


Holidays — Lucy Mason — Family dinner — An old friend — Pas> 
tor’s watchfulness — Advice and encouragement — First commu- 
nion. 


Porter’s parents died in his infancy, and having 
no nearer relative than a cousin of his father’ s^ who 
acted as his guardian, he gladly accepted Mr. Mason’s 
invitation to spend at least a part of the long vaca- 
tion with his son. 

Being thd heir to property enough to make him 
independent in his circumstances, he had already 
travelled a good deal, so that it was really a treat for 
him to have an opportunity of throwing off all care, 
and settling down in quietness and peace. 

Although I have been too much occupied in trac- 
ing the course of events at college, to look after the 
affairs of our friends elsewhere, most of them had 
been enjoying a reasonable share of health and pros- 
perity. 

When the young collegians reached Mr. Mason’s 
they found the family expecting them ; indeed so ex- 
actly had they been able to calculate the time of their 


TO BE A CLERGYMAN. 141 

arrival, that dinner was on the table when they drove 
up. 

Lucy had now finished her education, according to 
the ordinary notions of society. Her parents, how- 
ever, had their own opinions on the subject. Instead 
of looking upon herself as fully accomplished in every- 
thing, she was taught to consider the foundation as 
laid upon which the superstructure must be raised. 
Accordingly, a certain portion of time each day, was 
devoted to study and to general reading. 

Edward, who had actually known but little of his 
sister since his childhood, owing to her absence at 
school, was astonished to find how readily she adapted 
her conversation to the tastes of her company, and 
that even the favorite topics of learned collegians 
were not altogether beyond her depth. 

The weeks of the holidays seemed fairly to fly. 
What with riding, and walking, and visiting, and 
reading, and the pleasant chat after tea, the time slipped 
away ere they were aware of it. 

Before the vacation was quite over, who should 
make his appearance but Henry Parish ? 

He had been hoping, all summer, that Edward 
would come down to the city, but finding that he had 
no such intention, the young merchant took a play- 
spell himself. 

You would hardly know Frank now,’’ he said 
to Mrs. Mason, as they sat at the dinner table. He 


142 


THE BOY WHO WAS TRAINED 


has got to be quite a staid, dignified old gentleman, 
and sticks to business bravely/^ 

One would think that Edward and yourself were 
becoming advanced, too,^’ replied bis aunt, with a 
smile. When you left us, you were both engrossed 
with that very important affair, the rabbit warren. 
I don’t think that either of you have referred to the 
subject since you came.” 

“0 yes, mother,” said Edward, ^‘it was one of 
the first places I visited, and it reminded me some- 
what of the remains of the ancient Roman walls in 
Britain, so completely had our work gone to ruin. 
That was enough, of itself, to show me that I was 
growing older.” 

very venerable old man, truly,” remarked 
Lucy, who was helping the company to strawberries, 
‘^almost sixteen!” 

By the way, uncle,” asked Henry, where is 
Tom Hall now ?” 

“ He still continues at the bindery,” answered Mr. 
Mason. I think I never saw a greater change in 
any one, for the better, than in him. He has cer- 
tainly tried, faithfully, to keep his baptismal vow.” 

Has he been confirmed ?” inquired Edward, who 
wondered at himself that he had not thought to ask 
the question before. 

Yes,” returned his mother, thought I men- 
tioned it in one of my letters. He was confirmed in 


TO BE A CLERGYMAN. 


143 


July, at the same time with your sister, and Mr. 
Wilson’s eldest daughter, whom you saw baptized at 
the mill.” 

How strangely things turn out !” said Lucy. 

Who could have believed that the little Sunday 
School would do so much good ?” 

I think I was as much benefited as anybody,” 
interrupted Henry, who was as good-humored as 
ever. I was first knocked into my senses by that 
fall from Tom’s horse, and then the school sobered 
me down still more.” 

very profitable fall, indeed,” said Lucy laugh- 
ing, ^^and it is a great pity that every wild blade 
could not have a ride behind a miller’s boy.” 

And thus they talked on, raking up reminiscences 
from the past, and forming plans for the future. 

Mr. Palmer came out and passed a day with them. 
He had been prepared to expect a decided growth in 
Edward’s mind, from the occasional letters received 
from him, and the reports he had heard from others. 
It was a gratification to find that mixing with the 
world, (for a college is a v:orld in miniature,) had not 
robbed him of his gentle manners, nor impaired at all 
his religious sensibilities and tastes. 

The good man took occasion to speak to Edward 
in private, in regard to the ministry, and mentioned 
a course of reading which it would be best for him 
to pursue, in order that he might begin the study of 


144 


THE BOY WHO WAS TRAINED 


theology, at the proper time, to the best advantage. 
Although I have said little on the subject, I wish it to 
be distinctly understood that Mr. and Mrs. Mason, 
and their worthy pastor, had been very particular, 
from the first, to impress upon Edward’s mind, the 
solemn responsibility assumed by those who conse- 
crate themselves to God’s service in the holy ministry. 

They felt how wrong it was to regard this oflSce as 
ranking merely as one of the liberal professions, such 
as medicine or law. Viewed in this improper light, 
the desire of gaining an influential position, or of 
being able to act a conspicuous part in the world, 
might prompt the vain and the ambitious, to become 
clergymen. 

But these devout parents, and this conscientious 
pastor felt, that in directing Edward’s mind to this 
sacred calling, they must depend wholly upon the 
influences of the Holy Spirit, to fit him for the work 
of faith and labor of love, in the gospel ; and to this 
end, they offered up many earnest prayers. They 
knew that the commission to minister at the altar, 
must come from the Bishop’s hands, but that the 
inward grace is the gift of God alone. 

The young people were looking forward to the 
next Sunday, with no little interest and thoughtful- 
ness, as they expected then to have their first com- 
munion. 

^ No opportunity had been afforded before the close 
of the college term, and, as Mr. Palmer observed, 


TO BE A CLERGYMAN. 145 

There is nothing lost, as a general rule, in allowing 
a short interval between the different ordinances of the 
church. He disapproved of the plan of hurrying 
through with baptism, and confirmation, and the 
Lord’s supper, all within a day’s time, or even of 
several days. Our three daily meals for the suste- 
nance of the hod^ are not taken at once, but after 
proper seasons of labor and rest. 

As the sacraments of the church are means of 
grace for the soul, their benefits will be much greater, 
if proper preparation be made before the reception 
of each. 

Nearly all the persons in the congregation had 
been to the altar, and still our friends lingered. One 
seemed to be waiting for the other. Porter would 
not think of going without Edward, and he, perhaps, 
thought that his sister should set the example. 

“Oh! agony of wavering thought, 

When sinners first so near are brought, 

‘ It is my Maker — dare I stay ? 

My Saviour — dare I turn away?’ ”* 

Mrs. Mason whispered a word of encouragement 
to Lucy, when she rose at once, and Porter and Ed- 
ward followed. 

“ Sweet, awful hour ! the only sound. 

One gentle footstep gliding round, 

Offering by turns, on Jesus’ part. 

The cross to every hand and heart,” 

* Keble’s Christian Year. 

13 


146 


THE BOY WHO WAS TRAINED 


CHAPTER XXIL 


Errors corrected by study — Dr. Miller — The whole truth — 
— Proof — Economy and meanness — Janitor’s widow — Choos- 
ing a profession — A fair promise — Painful parting. 


College life is, upon the whole, so uniform and 
monotonous that it would not be necessary for me to 
follow Edward through his course, even if the time 
and space were allowed me. 

I must therefore crowd the remaining period into a 
comparatively small compass. 

This being Porter’s last year in college, he became 
more studious than before ; and most of his leisure 
time was spent in reading. 

Edward thought it a pity that a young man of 
such decided abilities, should enter the over-stocked 
professions of law or medicine, while the church stood 
so much in need of clergymen. 

He did not, however, make any abrupt proposals 
to him, but contented himself with lending him some 
biographies, and other works, which had left their 
impress upon his own mind. 

The mention of books reminds me of Turner. He 


TO BE A CLERGYMAN. 


147 


returned the volume of sermons, at the beginning 
of the session, and professed to be greatly pleased 
with Dr. Chapman’s candour, and the skill and ability 
which he brought to bear upon his subject. 

There is a question now, which I wish to look 
into,” said he, ^^and I would be glad. Mason, if you 
would borrow the necessary books for the purpose.” 

“ IVhat question is that ?” inquired Edward. 

It is,” answered Turner, ‘^whether Dr. Miller 
really published garbled extracts from the fathers, in 
the way he is accused of doing.* If this could be 
proved, it would be a pretty convincing argument 
that the cause must be a desperate one which is 
obliged to resort to such dishonorable means.” 


* In the midst of the storm of indignation stirred up against 
the author upon the first appearance of this book, he received 
a letter from a distinguished clergyman of the church, whom 
he bad never seen, which contained this testimony: “I was 
for nine years a Presbyterian minister. I studied at Princeton. 
Dr, Miller’s dishonest eflFort to depreciate the early fathers, be- 
cause of the testimony they give in favor of Episcopacy, 
created the first, though temporary, doubts I ever had, respect- 
ing the divine origin of Presbyterianism. Several years after- 
wards, when carefully examining the whole question, I was 
surprised and shocked, at the palpable and extraordinary dis- 
honesty of the Doctor, in garbling the quotations from Ignatius 
and others, so as to make them say directly the contrary to 
what they really say. His followers generally, having never 
looked into the subject, and not wishing to see both sides, do 
not believe that their champion could have been so wicked !” 


148 


THE BOY WHO WAS TRAINED 


I will get the books with pleasure/^ said Ed- 
ward ; and, although I cannot answer from my own 
examination, I have often heard others say, who cer- 
tainly had the best opportunities for knowing, that 
the charge is not at all exaggerated/^ 

I must see for myself,^^ remarked Turner. Dr. 
Miller is a great man with us ; and nothing but in- 
disputable proof, presented to my own eyes, will con- 
vince me. Besides, since I studied logic, I have 
learned to be more wide awake, and not to take mere 
assertions for arguments, even though the author 
does refer you to a long string of scriptural texts at 
the bottom of the page. He might make as much 
show of proof in this way as he chose, inasmuch as 
few would take the pains to look into the Bible to 
verify the passages.” 

Edward made it his business to ask the loan of the 
books from the rector. What effect a further inves- 
tigation had upon Turner^s mind, I may have occasion 
hereafter to state. 

In the mean time, everything about the college was 
going on as usual, some wasting their opportunities 
in idleness and dissipation, while others were usefully 
employed. I must not forget to mention an occasion 
in which Edward was rather unjustly accused of mean- 
ness and parsimony. 

The literary society to which he belonged determined 
to fit up the room in which their meetings were held, 
in a style of greater luxuriance. 


TO BE A CLERGYMAN. 


149 


When they came to Edward, expecting, as usual, 
that he would subscribe liberally, he declined giving 
anything for the purpose. They could not account 
for this “economical fit,^^ as they called it; and some 
even ventured to charge him with being miserly. He 
told them plainly that for all useful purposes the old 
society room was everything that could be desired; 
and that the lavish expense which they proposed to 
bestow upon it, seemed to him a sin. 

The committee went off dissatisfied, and looked sour 
at him for weeks afterwards. 

It was nearly a year before it was accidentally 
discovered that it was Mason who had, all this 
time, been paying the largest share towards the 
support of Mrs. Phillips, the janitor’s widow. She 
had been left in utter destitution, with a crippled 
boy to add to her anxieties, and lessen her ability 
to work. 

No doubt our young friend had his own satisfaction 
in the consciousness of having done his duty. 

As the Commencement approached when Porter 
was to graduate, Edward, who had watched him most 
anxiously during the year, and never forgotten him 
in his prayers, spoke to him one day upon the subject 
which was so near to his heart. 

You, of course, agree with me in the opinion,” 
said he, that a man ought to turn his abilities to 
the best account 


13 * 


150 


THE BOY WHO WAS TRAINED 


Certainly/' answered Porter, wondering what was 
to follow so sage a remark. 

‘^To the best account/' continued Edward, ^^with 
reference to this world and the next*^ 

There can be no question of it," said Porter, still 
uncertain what the other was driving at. 

Which profession, then," asked Edward, 
you think most likely to accomplish this end ?" 

“ That depends entirely upon what a man is cut 
out for," said Porter, parrying the subject, of which 
he now began to get an inkling. 

But I mean," answered Edward, becoming more 
earnest, “ other things being equal, and a person mor- 
ally and intellectually qualified." 

The ministry, I suppose," said Porter, half reluc- 
tant to own it. 

Then, Porter," continued Edward — ^his soul 
speaking in every line of his countenance, ^^why 
won't you devote your energies to this work ?" 

Porter hesitated — began to say something, and 
then checked himself. 

It would be wrong in me. Mason," he said, re- 
covering his self-possession, to lead you to suppose 
that I never thought of this subject before. While 
reading the life of Henry Martyn, I not only wished 
a hundred times that I was a good man, but that I 
might be a minister. 

‘‘And what is to prevent ?" asked Edward, too 


TO BE A CLERGYMAN. 


151 


anxious to carry his point to waste many words. 
“ You are your own master, so far as one can be. 
Why not resolve to be a minister 

It is too great a responsibility to assume without 
much more reflection than I can give to it now/^ an- 
swered Porter. Moreover, you know, Mason, that 
I have a scheme on foot for visiting Europe. I can 
do this without inconvenience ; and tutor Davies has 
agreed to go with me.” 

Edward was well aware that such a tour, to a 
mind so thoroughly prepared, would be of decided 
advantage to his friend, even should he conclude to 
study theology. 

He therefore used no arguments to dissuade him, 
but made one request, to which Porter cheerfully 
acceded : this was, that he would continue to think 
of the ministry as a profession in which he might, 
very likely, be more useful than in any other; and 
that he would pray daily for instruction and guid- 
ance, as to what he ought to do. 

Commencement day arrived. Porter acquitted him- 
self with great credit. 

Then came the usual bustle of packing up, and 
preparing to leave town. 

I must draw a veil overmuch of this. Porter was 
to remain for a few days longer, waiting for his travel- 
ling companion, the tutor. 

Edward took his place in the stage. ‘^Don^t for- 


152 


THE BOY WHO WAS TRAINED 


get me, Mason/^ said his friend, shaking his hand 
again and again, and trying to hide his emotions. 

Edward was unable to speak. His swimming eyes 
told the depth of his affection. He returned the 
warm pressure of the hand, and continued to look 
back at Porter till, the stage passing into another 
street, he was hidden from his sight. 


TO BE A CLERGYMAN. 


153 


CHAPTER XXIII. 


Junior year — New chum — Unruly freshman — A good friend — 
Little southerner — Christmas holidays — Troubles in the dis- 
tance — Sudden summons — House of mourning — Another 
blow. 


When Edward returned to college at the begin- 
ning of the junior year, it seemed strange enough 
not to find Porter in his accustomed seat. The room 
was hardly like the same place. Something was 
lacking. . 

Edward was not, however, left in solitude. The 
new freshmen class being large, he was obliged to 
have a room-mate. 

This choice of chums is a lottery; but Edward was 
extremely fortunate. David Patterson, from Missis- 
sippi, a boy of about fourteen, was placed under his 
wing. The little Southerner was so home-sick for a 
few days that Edward exerted himself to make him 
feel more at his ease, and form a favorable impression 
of college life. David in turn, soon became much 
attached to him, and would do anything in the world, 
that he thought would please him. 


154 


THE BOY WHO WAS TRAINED 


The freshmen class was if possible, more wild and 
ungovernable than usual ; and every effort was made 
to entice David into mischief. 

He had, however, too much respect for Edward to 
do what he knew would grieve him ; and our young 
friend took advantage of this good feeling on David^s 
part, to try to teach him to act rightly from a better 
motive — love to God. 

He had brought a Bible and Prayer-book with 
him, which his good mother had placed in his trunk 
with her own hand. These Edward encouraged him 
to use; and whenever he found him forgetful, gently 
reminded him of his neglect. 

He always took care that David should go with 
him to church. As there was no stated service very 
near Mrs. Patterson’s, her son had but little more 
than a traditional acquaintance with the church of 
his fathers. 

He did not, therefore, feel that warm attachment 
for it which is peculiar to those who have been care- 
fully trained up in her holy ways. 

Besides, David was rather absent-minded and dil- 
atory. It was really diverting, while the last bell 
was ringing for service, and Edward standing with 
his band on the door latch, to see the little freshman, 
with one boot on, looking for the other in every nook 
and corner of the room, or ransacking a large bag of 
dirty linen to find a collar or handkerchief, which 
would answer to use. 


TO BE A CLERGYMAN. 


155 


Upon the whole, the new friends got on admirably } 
and it would have gladdened the widow’s heart (David’s 
father was dead,) to have seen her son following the 
guidance of one whose character was so worthy of 
imitation. 

Edward occasionally received a letter from Por- 
ter. At the last account he was preparing to leave 
France for Italy. He appeared much delighted with 
his tour ; hut it was plain from his manner of writing, 
that his old friends were by no means forgotten. 

When the Christmas holidays came, Edward took 
David home with him. It was very considerate in 
him to do so ; for the youth was poorly calculated by 
disposition or habit to make the best of quietness and 
solitude. 

During this week of happiness, a very important 
event took place. Tom Hall, who had grown up to 
be an industrious and thriving young man, was mar- 
ried to Eliza Wilson, one of our early acquaintances 
at the mill. Mrs. Mason, who felt an interest in 
both of the parties, gave the bride her wedding-dress. 

But the vacation was not altogether a happy one 
to Edward. His sister’s altered appearance alarmed 
him. She had a hollow cough and a sunken eye, 
which betokened no good. 

He did not like to mention his fears to his parents, 
lest it might distress them. They did not seem to 
observe the change, and Lucy herself was as cheerful 
as usual. 


156 


THE BOY WHO WAS TRAINED 


It was with a heavy heart that Edward went back 
to college. 

He feared something which he did not venture to 
dwell upon, even in his own mind. 

Now and then during the winter, his mother would 
mention in her letters that Lucy had a bad cold, or 
had been quite unwell for a few days; but still there 
was nothing alarming. 

Towards the close of the session a message came, 
in haste, for Edward to return home. He made all 
speed ; and as he rode up the lane, the gloomy appear- 
ance of everything about the house prepared him for 
the worst. 

Lucy had died that morning! Mr. Palmer met 
him at the door, and remained with the afflicted family 
during the day. 

Happy for them they had learned long ago where 
to look for help in trouble ; nor did they look in vain. 
Lucy’s disease had developed itself very rapidly; and, 
before her parents were aware of her danger, she was 
far gone with consumption. 

It was a sad and crushing blow : but there was 
mingled vj'iih. judgment — a cheering light shone 
through the open portals of the grave. She had fallen 
asleep in Jesus. 

Her remains were deposited in a little grave-yard 
not far from the house. 

The tomb-stone may be seen there now — somewhat 


TO BE A CLERGYMAN. 


157 


stained and weather-beaten indeed, but bearing still 
the simple inscription 

LUCY MASON. 

Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord.” 

Troubles seldom come single-handed. 

Mr. Mason had others yet in store. His wife had 
observed for some time past that he appeared restless 
and gloomy ; but she attributed it altogether to the 
state of their daughter’s health. 

The truth came out at last. Mr. Parish had failed, 
and involved his brother-in-law, who had been his en- 
dorser, to a large amount. 

I have often thought how much practical wisdom 
St. Paul has shown in that magnificent chapter which 
is read in the burial service. Even while speaking 
of death and the resurrection — lifting the mind above 
the cares and sorrows of life, by revealing the bless- 
edness of immortality — he still remembers that we 
have something to do on earthy and calls upon us, 
while weeping over the graves of the loved and the 
lost, to be “ steadfast y unmovahle — always abound- 
ing in the work of the Lord” 

Though nearly stunned and stupefied by the sud- 
deness and greatness of these afflictions, Mr. Mason 
placed all his trust in God. 

He called to mind the gracious words : As a 
father chasteneth his son, so the Lord thy God chas- 
14 


158 


THE BOY WHO WAS TRAINED 


teneth thee/' Whom the Lord loveth, he chasten- 
eth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth." 

Sustained by these assurances, and feeling that it 
was his duty as an honest man to meet his pecuniary 
embarrassments with resolution, he prepared himself 
for the worst. 

He at once placed all his property in the hands of 
the creditors, and made arrangements to return to 
the city in order to begin anew. 

His course was so high-minded and upright, that 
generous friends stepped forward, and offered to re- 
lieve him from his difficulties. He felt grateful for 
their kindness, but thought it best to decline. 

Mr. Mason could have borne his loss of property 
with less difficulty had it not been for anxiety upon 
his wife’s account, and his regret that Edward’s edu- 
cation must be seriously interrupted. 

In the course of a month they had taken leave of 
their home, and engaged private boarding in the city. 

Mr. Mason found no difficulty in re-establishing 
himself in business, and proposed that his son should 
go back to college. Edward, however, could not 
think of being a tax upon his father, in the present 
crippled state of his affairs ; and unknown to either 
of his parents, had written to Mr. Palmer to find him 
a place in a school. 

A situation was fortunately obtained; and the boy 
who had never known the meaning of want, went 
forth to buffet with the world. 


TO BE A CLERGYMAN. 


159 


CHAPTER XXIV. 

Light in darkness — Young teacher — Making the best of circum- 
stances — Gratifying present — Again at college — Tidings from 
abroad — Taking a degree — DiflBculty removed. 

It is comparatively easy to trust in God, and to 
love Him, when all is sunshine. Blessed is the man 
who, amidst the dark and dismal night of adversity, 
is enabled, like holy Job, to “ hold fast his integrity.^' 

Edward became assistant teacher in an academy, 
where a salary was allowed him which would defray 
his necessary expenses, and enable him to lay by 
something for future use. His intention was to keep 
up with the college classes by studying at night and 
on Saturdays ; and >thus be prepared to go back and 
spend the last term, and graduate. 

It was no easy matter, when wearied with the day^s 
labor, to sit down to pursue his own studies at night j 
but resolution will enable one to do almost anything. 

Edward did not consider it lost time, by any 
means, to take his regular exercise, and accordingly 
he walked several miles a day, be the weather what 
it might. In this way he was able to endure an 


160 THE BOY WHO WAS TRAINED 

amount of mental exertion which would otherwise 
have broken him down in a few months, or shattered 
his constitution for life. 

David Patterson wrote to him, every few weeks^ 
and kept him fully acquainted with the state of affairs 
at college. Porter was also quite thoughtful in the 
way of letters. 

Sometimes Edward feared, from the interest he ex- 
pressed in worldly vanities, that his spiritual being 
must be at a low ebb. At others, his hopes were 
raised by indirect but unmistakable evidences that his 
heart was right with God. 

Although Edward had no particular fancy for teach* 
ing, he entered into the spirit of his new vocation, 
and soon began to take a real pleasure in it. The 
boys were won by the kindness of his manner; and 
even those who had been looked upon as dolts and 
dunces, woke up surprisingly. 

Without compromising his dignity in the least, 
their young teacher encouraged their sports, and often 
appeared upon the play-ground, to watch a game of 
ball or cricket. 

One day a package, directed to Edward, was left at 
the academy. Upon opening it, he found a book ac- 
companied by a note, to this effect : — 

“ Mr. Mason will please accept this specimen of 
book-binding from Thomas Hall.^’ 

Edward was surprised to find that the volume con- 


TO BE A CLERGYMAN. 


161 


sisted of a series of church magazines, which had once 
belonged to his father. He learned afterwards by 
inquiry, that when the family library was sold at auc- 
tion in town, Tom had bought these loose numbers, 
— probably the largest investment his means would 
permit him to make — with a view of presenting them 
to one of the best friends of his youth. 

Such little attentions, paid to those in adversity, 
are always gratifying. The world is so apt to look 
coldly upon the unfortunate, that anything which 
exhibits true sympathy and affection, is worthy of 
note. 

The six months which Edward proposed to devote 
to teaching, had now worn away. During this time, 
he had saved enough to enable him to resume his 
place at college, and finish his course. Accordingly, 
at the beginning of the spring term of the senior year, 
he was reinstated in his old room. 

Many kind greetings awaited him upon his return ; 
and David was too glad to contain himself. He had 
sadly missed Edward^s brotherly care; and sundry 
difficulties, in which he had been involved, were owing 
to this cause. 

While our young friend was busy in preparing his 
speech for Commencement, a letter arrived from Porter. 

He had seen most of the prominent objects of in- 
terest on the continent, and had got as far as London 
on his way home. 

14 * 


162 THE BOY WHO WAS TRAINED 

I long, once more/^ he writes, “ to behold my 
native land. The old world has much to be proud 
of — much which ought to please. I have not gone 
about with green spectacles on my eyes, grumbling 
at everything I saw. Whenever praise was due, I 
have been free to award it, no matter where, or to 
whom. But I can now enter more fully than before 
into the spirit of the old song, 

‘ Home, sweet home.^ 

I have attended all forms of worship. Mason, from 
the glittering, tawdry doll-worship, which disgusts 
one in Italy, to the dry, hum-drum crudities of Ge- 
neva; but give me the time-honored, dignified, im- 
posing services of our old church — the church of the 
Redeemer.^^ 

A few days after, another letter was received, 
stating that he would sail from Liverpool in the 
packet; and what pleased Edward better than all. 
Porter referred to the ministry in such a way, that 
little doubt was left of his intention to begin his theo- 
logical course as soon as he reached New York. 

There had been much in college life to make Ed- 
ward attached to it ; but he could hardly be said to 
be sorry when he had taken his degree. He felt, as 
most young men in this country are wont to do, that 
there was a great work before him in the world; and 
that, as the day would not last long, the task should 
be begun early. 


TO BE A CLERGYMAN. 


163 


There was one serious obstacle in the way of his 
entering the Theological Seminary the next autumn — 
the want of means. The money he had earned by 
teaching was barely enough to enable him to pay off 
his liabilities at college. He could, indeed, resort to the 
same honorable mode of raising funds as before ; and 
this he had resolved, in his own mind, to do. 

Mr. Mason had made a good start in business; 
but with the debts which remained unpaid, and the 
expenses of living, he had really nothing to spare for 
his son, just now, even if Edward would have ac- 
cepted it. 

Mr. Palmer did not like the idea of his losing 
more time in teaching, and urged him to accept a 
scholarship, which he could secure for him at the 
seminary. 

Edward^s natural independence revolted at the idea. 

Mr. Palmer told him, frankly, that it was only 
false pride to take such a view of the matter. 

Are the young men who are educated at West 
Point, at the expense of the nation, degraded at all,” 
he asked, “ in the public estimation or their own^ 
because the government feels the need of raising up 
competent officers for the army, and furnishes the 
necessary means ? And why is it at all more unbe- 
coming, that candidates for the ministry, who are to 
be leaders in the host of God's chosen ones, should 
be educated at the expense of the church, in whose 
service their lives are to be spent 


164 THE BOY WHO WAS TRAINED 

Edward could not resist the force of the reasoning, 
and after a little more reflection, gladly accepted the 
ofiPer. 

“ But there is one thing more which troubles 
me,^^ said Edward. “1 hope you will not think me 
foolish.’^ 

What is it V’ inquired Mr. Palmer, with some 
anxiety of manner. 

Although I have been trained up from my child- 
hood,^^ answered Edward, with a view to the min- 
istry, I feel strange misgivings whenever I read that 
solemn question in the ordination service : ^ Do you 
trust that you are inwardly moved by the -Holy 
Ghost to take upon you this office and ministration?^ ” 

It is not at all surprising, observed Mr. Pal- 
mer, “ that a sense of unworthiness should oppress 
you. Eor no man that considers what a clergyman 
ought to he, and do, can help crying out with the 
apostle, ^ Who is sufficient for these things 

have heard various preachers,’^ said Edward, 
speak so confidently of having been called of God 
to the work, that it has made me doubt whether I 
should be doing right in pursuing the course which 
is proposed.^^ 

Such prating, my young friend,’^ answered Mr 
Palmer, “is not worth listening to. As these per 
sons have no outward commission to entitle them to 
preach, they fall back upon an inward call. I 


TO BE A CLERGYMAN. 


165 


miglit seem harsh in saying what I really think of 
their conduct.'^ 

‘‘ How do you understand that question then,” 
asked Edward, which has troubled me so much ?” 

Good Bishop White,” said Mr. Palmer, who 
was one of the most prudent and conscientious men 
that the church has ever had, gives a very satisfac- 
tory and encouraging explanation of it. As the ex- 
tract is short, I will read it : ‘ If a man desirous of 
the ministry, should believe, on an honest inquiry 
into his heart, that in sincerity — although, doubtless, 
mixed with imperfection — he is desirous of discharg- 
ing his duty to God and man ; if he should not be 
sensible of any known siti, that cuts him off from the 
benefits of the Christian covenant, and ought, there- 
fore, to bar him from the ministry; if he do not feel 
himself prompted, either by the love of gain, or by the 
love of honor — although, under the former head, he 
may lawfully look, with moderation, to the supply 
of the wants of himself and of his family; and under 
the latter, he may enjoy any reputation which may 
be brought to him by his talents, giving the glory to 
God, and not bearing himself with arrogance to 
men ; — and, finally, if he should be sensible of a di- 
rection of mind interesting him in whatever extends 
the kingdom of grace, and fits men for the better 
kingdom of glory ; such an inward character, satis- 
factorily perceived by those to whom the church has 


166 


THE BOY WHO WAS TRAINED 


committed the right of judging of the sufficiency for 
the undertaking generally, may be counted as an 
evidence of that moving by the Holy Ghost, which 
the service holds out as so important/ 

Thank you, sir,^^ said Edward, as Mr. Palmer 
laid down the book. That opinion of Bishop White 
relieves my mind of a heavy weight. He was such 
an extremely cautious man, that he would give no ad- 
vice which was not well worthy of consideration.^^ 

I am glad to hear you say so,^' answered his 
friend. It is certainly the only true view of a call 
to the ministry, in the ordinary dealings of Provi- 
dence. In any other sense, angels^ and not merij 
must be appointed for this work.^^ 

• Bishop White’s Commentaries on Ordination Offices, vii. 16. 


TO BE A CLERGYMAN. 


167 


CHAPTER XXV. 


School of the prophets — The special prayer — Choice of a parish 
church — St. Peter’s Sunday-school — Private devotions — Mys- 
terious Providence — Brand plucked from the burning. 

It was ten o’clock, on a bright October day, that 
the bell of the General Theological Seminary, in 
Chelsea Square, New York city, summoned the stu- 
dents to prayers, on the first morning of the term. 

Dr. Turner, (the Dean for that year,) who, for 
nearly a quarter of a century, had drawn from his 
varied stores of learning for the instruction of hun- 
dreds, since called to do their Master’s work, came 
from the vestry, and began the service. 

A sweet-toned organ lent its aid in the chants and 
psalms, and the responses were made with a hearti- 
ness and emphasis which could only proceed from a 
lively interest in the worshipmf Almighty God. 

The whole body of students had not as yet re- 
turned ; but among those present we notice three well- 
known-friends — Mason, Porter, and Turner. There 
they stand, or kneel, in response and prayer, with 
one heart, and one voice, glorifying God.” 


168 


THE BOY WHO WAS TRAINED 


Among the supplications, one strikes the ear with 
peculiar force — a supplication applicable to the 
place : 

“ We implore Thy blessing on this Seminary, in- 
stituted with a view to the same ministry of the Gos- 
pel. May the hearts and hands of Thy people be 
open with supplies for carrying the design into effect; 
may the trustees and professors be endued with fidel- 
ity and wisdom, and sustained by Thy providence in 
the discharge of the duties respectively committed 
to them. May the pupils be favoured with health 
for the prosecution of their studies, and preserved by 
Thy grace from all temptation to relaxation of indus- 
try in the pursuit of knowledge. Strengthen in them 
the good desires which have been excited in them by 
the inspiration of Thy Holy Spirit, and impress on 
their minds a sense of the high origin, the salutary 
tendency, the awful duties and responsibilities, and the 
rich rewards of the Gospel Ministry. Endue them 
with humility in the pursuit of truth, and with zeal 
and steadfastness in the profession of it. Preserve 
them from prejudice, and from whatever else that 
may betray their unde^j^standings into error, or their 
hearts into sin. May they be useful in their generation, 
to the increase of Thy glory, and the edification of 
Thy Church ; and may they at last receive the com- 
mendation of faithful servants from the Great Shep- 
herd and Bishop of souls. Thy Son Jesus Christ, our 


TO BE A CLERGYMAN. 


169 


Lord, in whose name, and through whose prevailing 
merits, we offer up these our imperfect prayers.^^ 

The preliminary examinations were soon over, and 
our friends settled down to hard study. 

A theological course — aside from the interest which 
the sacred ministry must always excite in those who 
are looking forward to its responsibilities — ^is most 
pleasing and profitable. 

A large and valuable library was open for the use 
of the students, and many of them seemed fully to 
appreciate the privilege. 

It is hardly necessary for me to say that Tumer^s 
investigations, before he left college, had fully satis- 
fied him, in the point of controversy which had dis- 
turbed his mind ; but now, with such ample resources 
at command, he was able to go to the fountain-head, 
and examine to his hearths content. 

Mr. Palmer had advised Edward to connect him- 
self with some parish in the city, and to take a class 
in the Sunday School. 

We have so many churches in New York, that a 
person who should make it a practice of yielding to 
curiosity, and go around from place to place, could 
only worship at each church about twice a year 

This constant change has a bad effect upon the 
mind ; besides depriving one of that positive and j)Gr- 
ticular interest in the growth and prosperity of the 
church, which is secured by attending, as a general 
thing, the services in the same parish. 


170 


THE BOY WHO WAS TRAINED 


Edward accordingly made choice of St. Peter’s, as 
being the most convenient, and took an early oppor- 
tunity to call upon the rector, and offer his services 
in the Sunday School. This proposal was gladly ac- 
cepted. 

Although the prayers of the church were offered 
daily in the chapel, morning and evening, Edward 
did not alter his plan for private devotions. A sys- 
tematic reading of the Scriptures, and certain fixed 
times for prayer, were continued as before. 

A few days after Christmas, an unexpected visitor 
arrived. This was none other than David Patterson. 

He had availed himself of the holidays to run 
down and take a look at the great city. The first 
person he ferreted out was Edward, with whom he 
had continued to correspond. 

His old friend was delighted to see him, and put 
himself to considerable inconvenience, in order to 
show David the lions of the metropolis. 

The collegian still had many hours of leisure, 
which he spent with members of the society to which 
he belonged, who are always glad to recognise a 
brother from another branch. 

This intercourse, besides the pleasure it afforded 
David, was the means of putting Edward in the way 
of doing good. 

It happened, that in conversation one day, David 
was asked whether he had known Joe Spencer in 


TO BE A CLERGYMAN. 


17] 


college. He answered that he had not, inasmuch as 
he left before his time ; but that the memory of that 
young gentleman was quite fragrant there, even now. 

One thing led to another, till the whole story 
leaked out. 

Spencer had been sent off in disgrace; and much 
to the distress of his friends, had gone to sea. 

They traced him as far as Nantucket ; and from 
thence, it appeared, that he shipped in a whaler. 

Nothing more was heard of him for a long time, 
until very recently, one of his old college acquain- 
tances, passing by the Sailor^s Home,^^ saw a poor, 
forlorn-looking object, sunning himself upon the steps. 
The countenance seemed familiar, and the young man 
stopped. It was Spencer ! 

Wasted and weakened by disease, he had just 
been able to reach the port, and seek admission to 
this place. 

Poor fellow ! His folly and wickedness had cost 
him health, and friends, and all ! 

His broken-hearted, widowed mother, had been 
laid in the grave. 

A pale-faced, frail, affectionate sister, who used to 
welcome his return from college, had gone insane, 
and was an inmate of the asylum. 

David no sooner told this sad tale to Edward, than 
they both set off in haste, to look after the poor, 
shipwrecked one. 


172 


THE BOY WHO WAS TRAINED 


They found him in bed, evidently near his end. 
Spencer felt that this renewed kindness from one 
whom he had so shamefully used, was indeed having 
coals of fire’^ heaped ^^upon his head.^^ 

Edward would not allow him to dwell upon the 
past, but did all he could to alleviate his sufferings, 
and prepare him for his great and awful change. 

Mrs. Mason interested herself in the matter, and 
by going about among her friends, collected money 
enough to defray the expenses of the sick-room. 

Dr. Smith, the Rector of St. Peter’s, though in 
feeble health himself, went with Edward several 
times; and before Spencer died — being fully con- 
vinced of his faith and repentance — baptized him. 

How mysterious are the ways of God ! The ap- 
parently accidental visit of David to his friend was 
the means, in His hands, of saving a soul from death ! 


TO BE A CLERGYMAN. 


173 


CHAPTER XXVI. 


E]<3ction — Excitement — Theological politician — Clergymen not 
to vote — Bishop White and Bishop Griswold — Greenwich 
lane — The broken head — ^Alice’s mother. 


Even the comparative quietude of Chelsea Square 
was disturbed, early one morning, hy the voices of 
zealous politicians, mustering about the polls. Party 
spirit, never quiet, often-times running high, and 
hard to manage, now seemed ready to boil over. 

All classes of the community sympathised, more 
or less, in the excitement of an important election. 
The newspapers, for weeks past, had talked of little 
else. Handbills, posted about the streets, invited to 
caucasses, or advertised for some great gathering in 
the park. 

Children were carried away by the enthusiasm of the 
times ; and the ragged chimney sweep, as he hurried 
along the street, bearing the rude implements of his 
office, sang a snatch of a new party song, set with 
skill to some favorite air. 

Upon an occasion so stirring, who could wonder 
that the students of the seminary, although occupied 
15 * 


174 THE BOY WHO WAS TRAINED 

with matters widely different, should feel some inter- 
est in what had crowded out, for a season, all other 
subjects of discourse ? 

Come, Porter,^^ said one, thrusting in his head at 
the door, Come and cast a good Whig vote this 
morning ! I thought at first that I would not go 
to the polls, but the noise in the street has excited 
me so much, that I cannot control myself/' 

“You forget that I am a Democrat," answered 
Porter, looking up from his book. “ I will pair off 
with you, if you choose." 

“ No indeed," said the first speaker, as though it 
had been proposed to him to sacrifice some dear priv- 
ilege of his birth-right. “ This is my first vote. I 
was only of age six weeks ago. Are you old enough. 
Mason ?" he continued. “ I beg your pardon for not 
speaking to you before." 

“No apology is necessary," returned Edward. 
“A man so excited as you are, cannot be expected 
to think of such trifles. I am not old enough to go 
to the polls, but I should not do so if this insurmount- 
able difficulty did not exist." 

“Why not?" asked the other, in some surprise. 
“ This is a most important election, and every vote 
counts." 

“ Y.ery likely," Edward quietly remarked, “but 
I have made a rule that I will never mix myself up 
with politics. Clergymen can find ways enough of 


TO BE A CLERGYMAN. 


175 


lessening their influence with their flocks, without ex- 
asperating any by such a course.” 

There I think you are wrong, Mason,” interrupted 
Porter. Did not Bishop White always vote ? and 
he is your model.” 

Certainly the good Bishop did vote,” said Edward, 
and beginning his ministerial career when he did, he 
acted for the best. There is now and then a crisis 
in public affairs, when the clergy are bound to pur- 
sue the same course, and thus throw the weight of 
their influence on the side of right. And since you 
have seen fit to cite the case of Bishop White, to 
prove that devout and excellent clergyman do vote, 
I may as well remind you of Bishop Griswold, a man 
not less esteemed and beloved, who carried out my 
principle to its fullest extent, saying to the inquisi- 
tive people who tried to entrap him with political 
questions, kingdom is not of this worlds 

I decided against you too hastily. Mason,” said 
Porter, with his usual frankness. You have opened 
a budget of authorities, indeed ; and although I am 
not quite sure that it is altogether inexpedient for 
ministers to vote, I am inclined to think you are 
right.” 

So saying, he began to turn over the leaves of his 
Hebrew Lexicon, as if in haste to make up- for lost 
time, and the theological politician withdrew. 

The recitations of the day being finished at one 


I 


176 


THE BOY WHO WAS TRAINED 


o’clock, the students were scattered about the city, 
some returning to their homes, while others fre- 
quented the bookstores, or examined the odd collec- 
tion of volumes offered for sale at the stands by the 
way-side. Edward was going rapidly along through 
those crooked and unattractive streets and lanes which 
lead towards Broadway, almost stopped at times by 
the motley crowd, which the election had gathered, 
when his ear was struck by the voice of a child, cry- 
ing out in a tone of alarm, Do pray, Mr. Mason, 
do pray come here to this poor man !” 

Looking in the direction from whence the sound 
proceeded, he discovered a little girl standing in the 
door-way of a low cellar room, which seemed to be 
used as a sort of grocery. 

Edward was taken by surprise, at being thus fa- 
miliarly addressed, but soon recognised in the speaker 
a scholar whom he had known at the Sunday school 
of St. Peter’s. 

What’s the matter, Alice ?” he inquired in a kind 
and friendly tone. 

“ Please come in quick, sir,” was her only answer, 

and see whether the poor man is dead.” 

Edward followed her into the dismal apartment, 
where, although everything bespoke extreme poverty, 
he discovered an air of tidiness, which it is always 
gratifying to see. The two small windows were 
filled with trifling articles for sale, and upon a rude 


TO BE A CLERGYMAN. 


177 


counter cakes, and nuts, and apples were spread out, 
to tempt the passers-by. 

A table, two or three high-backed chairs, and a 
bed, constituted the furniture of the room. Around 
this bed several persons were gathered, at the mo- 
ment when Edward entered, one of whom was bath- 
ing the temples of a young man, who lay as it were 
lifeless in his arms. 

A woman, who turned out to be the owner of the 
shop, was bustling about, doing all she could ; but 
evidently too much alarmed to render essential ser- 
vice. 

“ Run for a doctor, Alice,^^ said Edward, as soon 
as he saw that the man had been badly wounded on 
the head. 

The child waited for no second bidding, and soon 
returned with a physician. In the course of half an 
hour the man had revived so much, that he opened 
his eyes, and looking around with a bewildered air, 
asked where he was. 

Edward, who sat by the bed, attending to his wants, 
instead of answering the question directly, said, 1 
hope you feel better now V’ 

‘^Yes, thank you,^' the man replied; ^^but kind 
sir, tell me what place this is.^^ 

Edward explained to him, in few words, all that 
he knew of the matter, and in a little while had 
learned from the stranger his simple story. 


178 


THE BOY WHO WAS TRAINED 


He was an English gardener, who had landed that 
morning from a ship, and was going up Greenwich 
lane inquiring for his sister, who, he had heard, lived 
in that part of the city. 

In making his way through a crowd collected about 
a tavern door, he received a blow, (probably aimed at 
some one else,) which left him senseless on the ground. 

Two or three of the by-standers had brought him 
into Alice’s mother’s shop, as the most convenient 
place, and laid him on the bed. 

“What is your sister’s name?” asked Edward, 
wondering within himself what must next be done. 

“ Buckley,” answered the man. “ Harriet Buck- 
ley. Her maiden name was Parker.” 

“ Your name is Parker, then,” said Edward, mus- 

ingly- 

“ Yes, Kobert Parker.” 

“ Stay here by the bed a few moments, Alice,” 
said Edward, rising up in haste, “while I go and 
look at the directory.” 


TO BE A CLERGYMAN. 


179 


CHAPTER XXVII. 


The directory — Lost sister — A stranger in the land — John An- 
derson — Happy thought — City missionary — Important record 
— Orphan houses and hospitals — Care for emigrants. 


Edward came back before long, but without hav- 
ing gained any satisfactory information. The wounded 
man, whom we shall hereafter call by his name Par- 
ker, had been sleeping quietly for a few minutes, but 
now roused up, and inquired, with evident anxiety, 
as to the success of the errand. 

“ I found your sister's name in the directory," 
said Edward, in reply, but upon going to the place 
designated, I was told by the people in the house 
that Mr. Buckley's family had removed several weeks 
ago." 

The poor man groaned aloud, and the faint gleam 
of hope which had lighted up his pale face instantly 
vanished. 

Grod help me !" he exclaimed with earnestness. 

What can I do ?" Edward begged him not to 
distress himself, and assured him that by remaining 
quiet for a few days he would be as well as ever 
again. 


180 THE BOY WHO WAS TRAIl^ED 

^^You should he thankful that your wound is no 
worse/^ he continued, and I will tell this good 
woman to see that you want for nothing/^ 

Thank you kindly, sir,’^ said Parker, I felt that 
I was in a land of strangers, when I left the ship 
this morning ; but I find that there are good people 
everywhere/^ 

Having given Some directions to Alice’s mother, 
Edward took his leave, promising to come again the 
next day. 

The following morning he went to Porter’s room 
at the seminary, a little before recitation time, and 
was telling his friend of his adventure on the pre- 
vious afternoon, when the young man, in his usual 
impulsive way, ran down stairs, and sent John An- 
derson to carry something to Parker at once, intend- 
ing to go with Edward to see him, when the lessons 
of the day were done. 

[Who that has been at the seminary at any period 
between 1845, (the date of his death,) and a good 
many years before, that does not recollect gentle, kind- 
hearted, obliging John Anderson?] 

Porter and Edward set off together at the time 
proposed, and were gratified to find that Parker was 
rapidly recovering from the effects of the blow, which 
had so nearly cost him his life. 

I have been thinking of a plan,” he observed, as 
soon as he had answered the kind inquiries which. 


TO BE A CLERGYMAN. 


181 


were made about his welfare, have been thinking 
of a jplan, by which I may possibly be able to get 
some tidings of my sister. She was such a good 
woman, that the first place she would go to, almost, 
on reaching the city, would be the church.^^ 

She is a member of the English church, then V' 
said Edward, hoping that this might indeed be a 
clew to unravel the difficulty. 

“Yes, sir,^’ answered Parker, “the Bishop of 
Winchester confirmed us both.^^ 

“Porter,^^ said Edward, turning abruptly to his 
companion, “ let us go and inquire of the city mis- 
sionaries. They may be able to throw some light on 
this matter.” 

“ Agreed,” answered Porter, “and if we are suc- 
cessful,” he said, as they walked briskly along, it will 
be another happy illustration of the closeness of that 
tie, which binds the daughter to the mother church, 
and a running commentary upon the article of the 
creed on the “communion of saints.” 

Our two friends did not feel as much trepidation, 
when they reached the door of one of the clergymen 
whom they proposed to call upon, as they once did,, at 
their visit to a parsonage several years before, an occa* 
sion which some of my readers perhaps may not have 
forgotten. 

The clergyman at first did not remember any one 
by the name of Buckley, answering to the descrip- 
16 


182 THE BOY WHO WAS TRAINED 

tion they gave ; and indeed, it would have been sur- 
prising if he had, considering the mixed multitude 
of old and young, of all tribes and tongues, with 
whom a faithful shepherd will come in contact, in 
the space of a few days. 

Upon referring to his memorandum book, however, 
this record appeared, Giles Biichley, and Harriet 
Buckley his wife, hoth English, communicants, two 
children.” 

Oh ! that’s it !” exclaimed Edward, too glad to 
contain himself. “ And where, sir, shall we find them 
now ?” 

The question was much more easily asked than 
answered ; but having reflected upon the subject for 
a few moments, the clergyman remembered that these 
people had moved to Staten Island. 

The young men thanked him for the information, 
and rose to depart, when he drew out his poor-purse, 
as he called it, and insisted upon their taking a small 
sum towards relieving Parker’s present necessities. 

“ I am sorry that the church does not make more 
ample provision for such cases,” he said, “but I 
hope the time will come, when her ministers, as 
they travel abroad through the world, with a com- 
mission to do good to the souls of men, may have it 
in their power to render assistance for their hodily 
ailments also.” 

I have often been struck, sir,” remarked Porter, 


TO BE A CLERGYMAN. 


183 


Tvith some embarrassment of manner, those 

passages in the New Testament, where our Saviour 
is described as healing the sick, and curing the lame 
and the blind. Do you not think that these acts of 
kindness opened the hearts of many more readily to 
receive the truths which he taught ?” 

^^Most unquestionably,^^ answered the clergyman, 

and you will recollect, my young friend, that the 
Apostles did likewise.^^ 

And why, by a judicious expenditure of money 
in hospitals, and orphan asylums, and other institu- 
tions of the sort, might not our Divine Master be 
still present upon the earth, through the agency of 
his body, the Church, and now, as in the days of his 
flesh, be stretching forth His hands to heal?'^ 

have been thinking,’^ said Edward, who was so 
much interested in the subject, that he forgot that they 
had already started towards the door, have been 
seriously thinking, since the case of this poor man 
was brought to our notice, that it might be a very 
good plan, in our larger cities, to eifiploy suitable 
persons to watch about the wharfs, and when foreign 
vessels arrive, to put into the hands of the emigrants 
a very brief tract, reminding them that here, as in 
England, they should look up to the Church as their 
mother, and consult with our clergymen as friends, 
in whose advice whether relating to temporal or spir- 
itual affairs, they could place the fullest confidence.’^ 


184 THE BOY WHO WAS TRAINED 

An excellent suggestion, indeed/' said the cler- 
gyman, shaking hands with his visitors at the door. 

I will bear it in mind, and very likely it may be 
turned to some account." 

Edward continued to look after Parker's welfare 
until he had entirely recovered, and within a few 
weeks' time he had the satisfaction of receiving a 
grateful message from him, saying that he had found 
his sister in Staten Island, and had himself got into 
a good situation, not far from where she lived. 


TO BE A CLERGYMAN. 


185 


CHAPTER XXYIII. 


Blind asylum — Dangers everywhere — Timely caution — Itching 
ears — Misgivings and despondency — Bishop Wilson — Field 
of labor — Recovered blessings. 

During his second year in the seminary, Edward 
began to read service on Sundays in the Blind Asy- 
lum. 

Some of the children had been accustomed to the 
Prayer-book before; and most of them soon showed 
a decided preference for our mode of worship. 

The chants delighted them greatly, and a very re- 
spectable choir was formed ; the organ being played 
by a blind boy. 

By using the Selections of Psalms,^^ instead of 
the Psalter for the day, in a few weeks they had 
learned enough of the service by heart to respond as 
well as any ordinary congregation. 

A short, practical sermon was read at the close of 
the prayers; and Edward continued to discharge this 
pleasant duty for many months. 

I ought to have mentioned, perhaps, that the ser- 
vice was held at such an hour as not to interfere with 
IG* 


186 THE BOY WHO WAS TRAINED 

his attendance at church. His class in Sunday 
School was, of necessity, given up when this arrange- 
ment at the Asylum was proposed ; and it was too 
important a field of labor to be lost. 

Although younger than Porter, Edward continued 
to exercise a wholesome influence over him. 

No situation in life is without its dangers. Por- 
ter, had he consulted his own inclinations, would 
have wandered about, Sunday after Sunday, hunt- 
ing for the finest music, and the most eloquent 
preacher. 

His friend convinced him of the impropriety of such 
a course. 

Indeed, so entirely did he change in this respect, 
that he at once became a Sunday School teacher in 
a little mission church which had been lately organ- 
ized, and did everything in his power to strengthen 
the hands of the self-denying pastor. 

Porter, with all hi-s cheerfulness, was subject to 
occasional fits of despondency. 

At such times, Edward’s conversation was a great 
comfort to him. 

He had been reading one day in a Missionary Jour- 
nal a report from some distant out-post, where a sin- 
gle-handed laborer was wrestling manfully with over- 
whelming opposition and discouragements. 

I fear, Mason,” he said — his tone of voice show- 
ing the sincerity of what he uttered — I fear that I 


TO BE A CLERGYMAN. 187 

shall never school myself to display such heroism as 
this.^' 

Practice/^ answered Edward, and faith in Him 
who sends us, will ena^e even the faint-hearted to do 
valiantly. I have often been struck with something 
in my favorite book, ^ Sacra Privata,’ which I will 
read if you have no objection.^' 

“ With all my heart, said Porter. I should be 
glad to hear anything which will help me to gain 
more confidence. I feel sometimes so wholly un- 
qualified for the ministry, that it seems worse than 
folly to go on.'^ 

Edward, having found the place, began : 

‘ It is happy for a minister of God that the life 
he is to lead, and the very outward acts he has vowed 
to perform, will help to change his heart, and create 
in him those dispositions which will make him like 
his great Master. * * If his sermons be plain and 

practical, they will affect his own heart, as well as 
the hearts of those^to whom he preaches. 

< Every child he baptizes puts him in mind of the ^ 
vows that are upon himself. And he cannot admin- 
ister the other sacrament as he ought to do, but it 
must needs fill his soul with a thousand holy ideas 
and devout thoughts. * * * Ju visiting sick and dy- 
ing persons he will be put in mind of his own mor- 
tality. * * When he exhorts, reproves, and admonishes 
otherS; it will bring to his mind the words of the 


188 


THE BOY WHO WAS TRAINED 


apostle, Thou that teachest another, teachest thou 
not thyself?’^ In short, if he has an ardent desire to 
save souls, and really strives to do it as effectually 
as he can, he will be beloved of God, and assisted by 
his Spirit ; he will see the fruit of his labor ; he will se- 
cure his own peace and hope, and give an account 
with joy when his Lord calls for him/ ” 

Those words are worth their weight in gold,’^ 
said Porter, when his friend had finished the extract. 

They really make me ashamed of myself. Com- 
mon sense should teach us that if we try our best 
to do God’s work, he will not withhold his blessing.^' 
“ Have you ever thought,’’ asked Edward, “ where 
you would like to have your lot cast — if such a thing 
be left to your choice ?” 

I should feel bound, of course,” answered Por- 
ter, to go wherever the bishop desired to have me; 
but of late, I have thought seriously of offering my- 
self as a missionary for one of the feebler dioceses in 
the South or West.” ' 

‘‘That is just my idea. Porter,” said Edward. 
“ There will always be enough to supply the wants 
in the older cities and towns ; and some must go into 
the by-ways if the gospel is ever to spread.’ 

“ Not only would this consideration influence me,” 
interrupted Porter, “ but I think it must be a great 
satisfaction for one to enter upon a fresh field, and 
break up the ground, and plant the seed, and watch 


TO BE A’ CLERGYMAN. 


189 


and water it, and wait in patience for the fruits of 
his labors.^' 

Great, indeed/^ said Edward ; and you remem- 
ber the blessedness of St. Paul, who built on no other 
man’s foundation.” 

It may be uncharitable and wrong in me,” re- 
marked Porter, “ but I can never look without feel- 
ings of dislike and pity upon a clergyman, whom I 
may chance to see resting, as it were, upon his oars, 
and apparently waiting for a desirable parish to be- 
come vacant. To think of the amount of work to be 
done, and any to remain idle !” 

I am sorry to interrupt you,” said Edward, as 
the clock of St. Peter’s struck five, but mother 
will be expecting us to tea ; and, as it is something 
of a walk, we had better start.” 

Mr. Mason had now so far recovered from his pecu- 
niary losses that he was able to keep house, and en- 
joy again many of the privileges which he had been 
obliged to give up ; not the least of which was the 
exercise of a generous hospitality. 

Edward had resigned his scholarship in favor of a 
poor student at the end of the first year, and was 
now living with his parents. 

The blessings of home only seemed the sweeter, 
because they had been for a season deprived of them. 


19C 


THE BOY WHO VvAS TRAINED 


CHAPTER XXIX. 


Ascension day — Dr. Jarvis — Staten Island — Fairy land — The 
little church — Voice from the garden — Devout congregation 
— Happy meeting — A cold lunch — Great Western — Haven 
of rest. 

The morning of Ascension day dawned bright and 
cloudless; and the delightful month of May had 
brought in her train the mildness and the various 
forms of beauty, by which her coming is so distinctly 
marked. 

^‘Porter, are you going to hear Dr. Jarvis preach 
at All Saints, this morning inquired Turner, as 
the two students entered the seminary gate, on their 
return from breakfast. 

I did not know that he was in the city,^^ said 
Porter, but as much as I would like to attend, I 
have an engagement with Mason which will prevent.^^ 

Why, Mason, of course will be going to church 
to-day,^' answered Turner, ^^and he may as well go 
to All Saints, as any where. 

True enough,'’^ said his friend, but we agreed 
Bom^ time since, should the weather be pleasant, to 


TO BE A CLERGYMAN 


191 


visit Staten Island to-day, and as the sun never shone 
brighter in the world, there will be no possible ex- 
cuse. And this reminds me that I must bestir my- 
self, for I am to call for Edward at his father’s. 
Won’t you go with us Turner declined, and Porter 
set off. 

As the two friends stood upon the deck of the 
steamer, while she moved rapidly down the bay, a 
charming prospect presented itself to view ; and when 
they approached Staten Island, diversified with hill 
and dale, and meadow and woodland, here and there 
a snug cottage, or a beautiful mansion dotting the 
landscape, it seemed almost like a scene of enchant- 
ment. 

You know my partiality for Kobinson Crusoe,” 
said Edward, laughing ; at least, it is not my fault, 
if you are not aware of this important fact.” 

Well,” answered Porter, “ what next ?” thinking, 
perhaps, that this taste for De Foe’s master-piece was 
by no means singular. 

Nothing,” said Edward, ^^only I am always re- 
minded of him, when I look upon this lovely spot.” 

^^It is certainly a little paradise in its way,” re- 
marked Porter, and I wish, now, that I had insisted 
on Turner’s coming with us. He has such an eye 
for the picturesque, that he would have enjoyed it 
exceedingly.” 

Our friends had started from home so early, 'that 


192 THE Bqy who was trained 

it was not much after nine o’clock when the boat 
reached the island, thus affording them ample time 
to ramble about ; a great treat, certainly, to students 
who had been so long confined to the city. An hour 
or two afterwards, in approaching a little hamlet, em- 
bowered in trees, the sweet tones of a bell attracted 
their attention, and going on a few rods further, they 
saw the tower of the church, from which these sounds 
were wafted on the gentle breeze. 

We are just in time for service,” said Porter, 
and we can thus celebrate the day as we ought, 
and enjoy our pleasant walk besides. Look, Mason, 
at that nice garden yonder, beyond the beautiful 
chateau.” 

The grounds were enclosed by a neat white paling, 
and a row of tall bushes shut out those parts of the 
garden from the view, which lay next to the public 
road. 

At this moment, a woman in plain and simple dress 
passed along, leading a little boy ; and turning in the 
direction of the garden, she called to some one, who 
seemed at work with a hoe behind the bushes, and said, 
^^Kobert, an’t you going to church this morning ?” 

To be sure, sister,” he replied, but I have so 
much work to do, that I shall wait till the bell be- 
gins to toll before I start.” 

“ That voice seems familiar to me,” said Edward, 
as they turned up towards the church, I wonder 
who the man can be ?” 


TO BE A CLERGYMAN. 


193 


^‘Nonsense, Mason answered Porter. “But 
you are such a wonderful hand to pick up acquaint- 
ances, there is no telling but this may be a friend of 
yours, and as we are in Robinson Crusoedom, per- 
haps it is man Friday 

The bell soon began to toll, and the young men 
entered the church. It was quite small, and unpre- 
tending, and only a mere handful of people had as- 
sembled to honor the day of our Lord^s ascension. 

They had hardly taken their seats before the woman 
and little boy came in, followed by a man whom they 
both recognized as the English gardener, Robert 
Parker. 

He saw them at the same moment, and a look of 
surprise, mingled with pleasure, lighted up his face, 
but he said nothing, and the service began. 

The chants were not sung, and there were not 
more than a dozen voices, great and small, to swell 
the responses; but it was evident that there were 
hearts engaged, and it was with no mere lip-service 
that the little congregation said with David, in the 
appropriate Psalm for the festival, “ God is gone lyo 
with a shout; the Lord with the sound of a trumpet. 
Sing praises to God, sing praises ; sing praises unto 
our King, sing praises.” 

The lessons, the gospel and Epistle, the prayers 
and the hymn, everything, indeed, was in perfect 
keeping, and carried the mind away to the mountain 

17 


194 


THE BOY WHO WAS TRAINED 


in Galilee, where Jesus stood for the last time, with 
the disciples, and where they watched. Him as He 
went up into Heaven. 

Porter and Edward having no acquaintance with 
the clergyman who oificiated, did not stop to speak 
with him ; but I have no doubt that he remarked to 
his wife, upon his return home, that two strangers 
had been very attentive to the prayers, and had ren- 
dered most essential service in the responses and 
singing. 

The young men stopped in the churchyard, to 
speak to the gardener, who was delighted to see them, 
and after grasping them heartily by the hand,, he in- 
troduced them to his sister, who insisted that they 
should go and take some refreshment at her house. 

Upon their arrival there, they found her husband 
sitting on the door-step, and although taken by sur- 
prise to see such a company, he rose at once, and 
welcomed his guests with plain, honest hospitality. 

The simple meal was soon despatched, and the af- 
fair of the election, and the broken head, and the 
prosperity of Parker and his sister’s family, talked 
over. 

Edward was glad to hear Parker say that he had 
been to the city not long before, and brought little 
Alice to spend the day with them ; and that the 
child, thus let loose from the confined and dismal 
cellar-room, had gamboled about the green fields 
with great delight. 


TO BE A CLERGYMAN. 


195 


The young theologians at length took their leave, 
followed by the kind wishes of their English friends. 

“We must see Rockaway, and the Gireat Western, 
before we return/^ said Edward, trying to hurry Por- 
ter along in the direction he wished to go. 

But the day was warm, and they walked slowly, 
enjoying the prospect as they went. 

At last they found themselves comfortably seated 
upon the high bank, at the extremity of the island, 
where the best view of the “ Narrows could be 
gained, and soon the firing of a cannon from Fort 
Hamilton attracted their attention, and then the 
great steamship made her appearance, leaving be- 
hind a thick volume of black smoke, and as though 
in haste to reach her distant home, boldly pushed 
forward into the briny deep. 

“ I never see a ship starting off at full speed,^' 
said Porter, “ but I think of our voyage upon the 
troubled sea of life, and the many risks we run, be- 
fore we can hope to enter the haven where we would 
be.^^ 

“ The service this morning, remarked Edward, 
“shows us how we may make that voyage safe and 
prosperous. Our Saviour has ascended into Heaven. 
How beautiful the words of the collect: ^ Grant that 
we may also in heart and mind thither ascend; and 
with Him continually dwell!’” 


196 


THE BOY WHO WAS TRAINED 


CHAPTER XXX. 


Pastor’s counsels — Early marriages — Romish tendencies — Peril- 
ous times — Active remedies — Pageant at St. Patrick’s — Sharp 
rejoinders — Seminary commencement — Ordination — Little- 
trunk — First sermon. 


During all this time Mr. Palmer had not forgotten 
his young friend. 

He was too busy with his church and parochial 
school to write often or much, but he never failed to 
send a friendly letter of advice and encouragement 
once in three or four months. 

The reader will thank me for inserting a part of 
one of them. 

After speaking of deaths, and other changes among 
Edward’s acquaintances in the parish, he says: — 
^‘Tom Hall continues to be what you left him — 
a most respectable, deserving young man. He takes 
an active part in the Sunday School. By the way, 
perhaps you have not heard of your little namesake, 
Edward Mason Hall. He is a fine boy, and I 
hope he may grow up for usefulness. 

^^The families about the mill continue much as 


TO BE A CLERGYMAN. 


197 


usual. The workmen seem very busy in putting 
your father^s place to rights. I am truly thankful 
tnat he was able to recover this property again ; and 
hope, in a few years, or even less time, that I may 
have him for a parishioner once more, 

forgot to give you a caution about buying 
books for your library. DonH be too eager to have 
a large collection at first. Make choice of good 
standard works. The lighter ephemeral literature it 
is very well to dip into, for recreation ; but I would 
not lumber my shelves with it. I make one excep- 
tion, in favor of the Waverley Novels. It will be 
worth your while to own a good copy. 

You will find it an unprofitable investment to lay 
out much in volumes of sermons. The English ser- 
mons, especially, are very often an indifferent assort- 
ment, plucked from the barrel of a deceased curate, for 
the benefit of his widow. You had better fill your head 
with the good, solid matter which will ccme in the 
way of your studies ; and draw from this treasury, 
when you want materials for the pulpit. I am sure 
my old friend, Dr. Wilson, would give you the same 
advice. 

There is another thing which I wish to speak 
about. If it should seem presumptuous, you must 
excuse the liberty, upon the ground of the deep in- 
terest which I feel in your welfare. 

I am persuaded that no young clergyman should 
17 * 


198 


THE BOY WHO WAS TRAINED 


think of marriage until he is fairly settled in a parish, 
with sure prospect of a decent support, without over- 
burdening the church. 

You will certainly never suspect me of any lean- 
ing towards the Roman doctrine of clerical celibacy. 
It has neither reason nor Scripture on its side. But 
I must say, that the practice, so common among 
young men, of forming matrimonial engagements 
before they have finished their studies, or have any 
idea where duty will require them to labor, seems 
the height of folly. I have not heard anything which 
leads me to suppose that you have such intentions, 
so that I have spoken with the less reserve.^' 

Any advice which Mr. Palmer gave was always 
regarded by Edward as worthy of notice. 

From his infancy the good man had watched over 
him, with all the interest of a careful shepherd, and 
his attention had not been thrown away. 

During the winter and spring of Edward’s last year 
at the seminary, there was much excitement through- 
out the Union, in regard to the supposed Romish ten- 
dencies of that institution. 

The papers, religious and secular, were filled with 
the subject. 

The House of Bishops, as a board of visitors, made 
a special and thorough examination, with a view to 
discover the truth. 

It really seemed too bad, that the excellent and 


TO BE A CLERGYMAN. 


199 


devoted men who filled the several professorships with 
such universal satisfaction, and whose characters were 
above reproach, should be obliged to vindicate the 
soundness of their doctrinal teachings ; forsooth be- 
cause a few weak-minded young men thought it clever 
to ape the manners of Rome ; and like spoiled children, 
play with the fire until they had paid the penalty of 
being scorched ! 

As matters stood, the bishops did their duty; and 
the faculty, by their magnanimous, honorable course, 
increased the debt of obligation which the church 
owed them. 

In the midst of these disagreeable disturbances it 
was generally announced that on a certain Sunday, 
three new Roman bishops elect would be consecrated 
at St. Patrick's cathedral. 

The usual attractions of music and pageantry, &c., 
were promised; and some of the students were very 
anxious to go. Among these, strange to say, was the 
staid and steady Turner ! 

It is true he had not the slightest sympathy with 
Romanism, and was only excited by curiosity. 

In vain did Porter tell him that he had attended 
the finest ceremonies in St. Peter’s itself, and had 
come away sadly disappointed. 

Turner wished to see for himself. Edward then 
used his influence. 

I once refused to go with you to meeiing^^ he 


200 


THE BOY WHO WAS TRAINED 


said, during our college days, because I thought it 
wrong. You are now convinced that I was right in 
that.^' 

But you will not deny, I suppose,^^ interrupted 
Turner, with more sharpness than was common to 
him — You will not deny that the Roman Catholio 
is a church V* 

^^By no means, answered Edward. ^^She is, 
indeed, a branch of the church, but so thoroughly 
corrupt, that we can hold no communion with her, 
until she casts off her abominations.'^ 

We’ll not dispute about that, Mason," said 
Turner — his slight irritation having passed, — 
only wish to go to gratify my curiosity." 

I should attend for the same reason," observed 
Edward j but- 1 think it would be wrong thus to 
turn my back on our dear old church, for the sake 
of sight-seeing ! Above all, in these excited times, 
it is better to avoid even the ^appearance of evil.' " 

It was getting late, and Turner, bidding his friend 
good-night, retired to his own room without further 
remark. 

The next morning, at service time, he knocked at 
Edward’s door, and making no allusion to the con- 
versation of the preceding night, proposed to accom- 
pany him to church. 

The seminary commencement was celebrated to- 
wards the last of June. The services were held in 
St. John’s chapel. A large congregation, consisting 


TO BE A CLERGYMAN. 


201 


of the clergy, students, trustees, and the friends of 
the institution, was in attendance. * * 

A few Sundays after, an ordination was held in 
the church of which Mr. Palmer was rector. There 
were several candidates for the diaconate. 

We are sure that one of them at least felt the awful 
responsibility which he assumed when the bishop 
laid his hands upon his head, saying, — Tahe thou 
authority to execute the office of a deacon in the church 
of God, committed unto thee, in the name of the 
Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. 

When Edward returned to the parsonage at noon, 
he found a small hand-trunk directed to himself, 
which had been brought by the boat. The following 
note was found on the top, as he raised the lid : — 
The Reverend Edward Mason will please accept 
the gown and surplice which are contained in this 
hox, as a small token of affection from his cousins ^ 
Frank and Henry. 

5|C * * * * 

In the afternoon our young friend preached. But 
the mention of the pulpit reminds me that my task 
is done. 

Perhaps, at some future day, if life and health are 
afforded, the writer may resume his pen, and give a 
Sequel to the history of The Boy who was trained up 
to he a Clergyman. 


THE END 


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APPENDIX. 


When the author sat down, two years ago, to pre- 
pare what he believed to be a much-needed book, it 
was his sincere desire to steer clear of all sectional 
and party influences, and to write something which 
might be useful to Episcopalians of every grade. 
The fact that three considerable editions have been 
called for, within a comparatively brief period, would 
seem to be evidence that his efforts have not been 
thrown away. At the same time, he has not failed 
to notice that neither extreme of Churchmanship has 
suffered the book to pass without objection; but this 
has been rather gratifying than otherwise, because 
it proves that he does not occupy party grounds. 
Grive us devout, earnest, self-sacrificing, hard-work- 
ing men, and it is of little importance to what theo- 
logical school they belong. We have all reason to 
bless God that such clergymen as Henry Martyn, 
and Simeon, and Griswold, and Bedell, have lived; 
and it would be well for us most devoutly to pray 


204 


APPENDIX. 


that the Church may always have some in the ranks 
of her clergy of like mind and heart. 

The writer would by no means advise parents to 
train up their sons for the ministry, relying upon 
their own unassisted efforts to mould them into any 
shape they wish, as a toy-maker from the same ma- 
terials may fashion a monk or a soldier. Nothing 
can effectually be done without the direction and 
assistance of God’s Holy Spirit, to be sought for in 
earnest prayer. 

It has been suggested that the views of college 
life given in this book may prevent parents from ex- 
posing their sons to so many dangers and tempta- 
tions ; but it may be safely asserted that the evils of 
such institutions of learning are overbalanced by the 
good ; and no boy who has been properly instructed 
at home, and who will look to the same Great 
Being to guide him, need fail to find the experience 
of Edward Mason again realized in his own safety 
and success. 

Criticisms, from whatever quarter they might come, 
have been kindly received and fairly considered; and 
those who take the trouble to compare the last edi- 
tion with the first, will see for themselves that seve- 
ral offensive expressions have been softened down, 
and other important changes made. 

Fully sensible how great a responsibility he incurs 
by sending forth even the most unpretending volume 


APPENDIX. 


205 


upon its mission of good or evil, and conscientiously 
believing that nothing but the truth is set forth in 
these pages, the writer lays down his pen, with the 
earnest prayer that the Divine Head of the Church 
may permit this feeble instrumentality to be of some 
service in the world. 


Christmas, 1855. 







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NOTICES OF THE PRESS. 


THE BOY TRAINED TO BE A CLERGYMAN. By the 
Rev. J. N. Norton. 38 cents. 

The Register says : — “A capital little book, containing a great 
deal that is good, and earnest, and true, well-timed, and happily 
apcken.” 

“ A charming book. It is written in that plain, transparent, 
good old English style for which the accomplished author is 
BO distinguished. It is remarkable and refreshing in these 
days, when there is so much straining after effect, and such 
effort to startle the reader with new and surprising incidents, 
to find a book which will tell a story so naturally and so simply. 
The book will be read by every boy who can read at all, and it 
is well calculated to strengthen that moral courage which is the 
only true heroism, and in which so many are lamentably defi- 
cient .” — Louisville Journal. 

“On the basis of natural qualities of mind and heart fitted 
for usefulness in the ministry, the author inculcates the pro- 
priety of training up those who exhibit these characteristics, 
with a view to the sacred profession. Not this only, but he 
urges that parents need not wait for the manifestation of any 
decided preference, and that the preference may be created by 
an early direction of the mind and heart. The story is written 
with attractive simplicity, and the argument developed with 
skill .” — Protestant Churchman. 

“We have read this admirable little book with much interest. 
It is one which pious parents will delight to put into the hands 
of sons whom they wish to devote themselves to the sacred mi- 
nistry.”— banner of the Cross. 

“This is just the book for every Christian parent to read, 
and by its interest and instruction will well repay the cost of 
time. The story is told in a discriminating style, dropping 
gems of thought, as it proceeds, in the mind of the reader. We 
hope parents will secure the book, and be induced, after prayer 
and reflection, to prepare and present one of their sons for the 
service of God in his sacred ministry. The subject is altogether 
a new one for the basis of a tale, but the author evinces skill, 
as well as Christian zeal.” — Calendar. 

“The book is an excellent one, and is evidently largely 
mingled up with the element of personal reminiscence ; how far, 

207 


208 


NOTICES OP THE PRESS. 


we cannot tell; but enough to give the real interest of biography 
to the whole. . . . Mr. Norton leaves us with his hero looking 
forward to the struggles of a missionary at the West, where 
we hope to renew our acquaintance with him soon, in an addi- 
tional volume.” — Church Journal. 

As we hope that some, nay, many, of our little readers will 
one day think it their duty to become clergymen, we recommend 
this pleasant and good little book to them, not only because it 
may help them to resolve on entering that holy calling, but also 
teach them how they ought to live and behave, if they would 
be either fit for the work, or useful and happy in it.” — The 
Churchman. 

‘‘We have read this little book with pleasure and interest, 
coming, as it does, from the pen of an old companion of college 
days. It is remarkably lifelike, and describes some scenes 
which we know to be true. . . . Parents who have sons to edu- 
cate should read this book; and youths who have directed their 
minds towards the ministry will find in it many valuable sug- 
gestions. No parish library should be without it.” — Gospel 
Messenger. 

*^This little book shows forth in its fulness the practical 
teaching of the Church. The idea of training a boy for the 
ministry is not only shown to be feasihlcy but it is made plain 
that it is often the parent’s marked duty to educate their children 
to be clergymen. The story is well told, and, altogether, we 
think the book worthy of entire commendation.” — Church 
Herald. 

“ A valuable little book. It is written on .the best Church 
principles, and is, in all respects, far above the average merit 
of most young people’s books — even of those which are fairly 
entitled to be called Church books.” — True Catholic. 

“ It cannot fail to meet the warm approbation of families be- 
longing to the Episcopal Church.” — Western Teacher’s Advocate. 

“ The threefold cord which composes this work is beautifully 
and equally twined— the thread of the story, the thread of 
general religious teaching, and the thread of Church doctrines 
and duties. They are so truly and equally carried through, 
that they form one beautiful chord, by which it is hoped that 
many young sons of the Church will be drawn into the service 
of her sacred ministry, through the teaching and guiding of the 
Holy Spirit.”— Christian Witness. 


NOTICES OF THE PRESS. 


209 


“A well-written and profitable little volume, containing a 
fund of useful matter for families, children, and youths, inde- 
pendently of its special reference to a training for the ministry. 
We have been highly gratified at the soundness, the intelligence, 
and the honest and devout spirit, manifested by the author, in 
his notice and treatment of the distinctive principles of the 
Church.” — Churchman’s Monthly Magazine. 

“This work contains useful lessons for parents, as well as 
young men, on every-day, practical points, and encouragement 
for those who persevere in a religious course in spite of tempta- 
tion and misfortune.” — English Churchman. 

“ This is one of those books which cannot but do good. The 
story is told with great simplicity of style, and in the earnest 
spirit of one who seems to conscientiously believe that Christ 
really established a Church on earth, with its ministry and 
sacraments, and that these are not now left matters of mere ex- 
pediency.” — Church Revietc. 


DR. HALLAM’S LECTURES ON THE MORNING SER- 
VICE. 12mo $1.00 

A PLAIN COMMENTARY ON THE FOUR HOLY GOS- 
PELS. 2 vols. 8vo ------ $4.00 

“The best commentary ever written on the Gospels, and cer- 
tain to be so regarded where best known. It will be a fountain 
of blessing in a Christian family.” — Church Journal, 


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